Last week, I was pleased to join the Alzheimer’s Society at K2 to take part in their ‘Do Something New’ event, which took place as part of Dementia Awareness Week.
The session was extremely productive, and it was interesting to speak with a number of the more than 50 attendees about their experiences, and how events such as these organised by the Alzheimer’s Society can be a real help.
Walking football, bowls, swimming, Pilates and Thai Chi were available for people with dementia and their carers.
I was grateful for the opportunity to listen to the people taking part, and also the organisers from the Alzheimer’s Society.
By doing something new, the Society hope to get people to see they can continue to try new things and have new experiences, while holding onto their life, and the things they love, for longer.
I know there is more to do – dementia can affect any of us, and our friends and families. Figures from the Alzheimer’s Society show that there are 1,136 people in our town with dementia.
Some of the progress in recent years on improving dementia care includes:
- Dementia training for over 430,000 NHS staff, and more than 100,000 social care workers have received dementia awareness training, more than any other country worldwide
- There are now 1 million dementia friends, and 82 areas across England have signed up become dementia-friendly communities. This of course includes Crawley, which has been designated as a Dementia Friendly Town by the Prime Minister
- Doubling of research funding since 2009 to over £66 million in 2015.
In May 2014, Dementia Friendly Crawley won the ‘Local Initiative’ category at the National Dementia Friendly Awards.
Earlier this year, David Cameron announced the Prime Minister’s challenge on dementia 2020 – how we can go further to provide more help to people.
The Government will be investing more than £300 million into British research and medical work, assisting our country’s world-class scientists to lead the way in making progress.
The annual investment into British research is expected to double by 2025. Additionally, an international dementia institute will be established in England by 2020.
Other announcements include that all NHS staff (1.3 million people) will be required to undergo training so that people have the understanding to assist in care.
For more information or to get involved, please visit: www.alzheimers.org.uk/remembertheperson
The Alzheimer’s Society provide essential help and advice; from Dementia Cafés and one-to-one support workers, and a national helpline and online forum.
The number for the helpline is 0300 222 1122, or please email helpline@alzheimers.org.uk
External links:
Alzheimer’s Society
Dementia Awareness Week (Alzheimer’s Society)
Do Something New (Alzheimer’s Society)