New Dementia Friends Sought During Dementia Action Week

READING’S Dementia Action Alliance is marking this year’s Dementia Action Week (21 - 27 May 2018) with a drive to encourage more people to become Dementia Friends.

A series of ‘Dementia Friends’ sessions will take place during the week, hosted by Reading libraries across the borough. By becoming a friend, people gain a better understanding of dementia and the small things that can be done to make a difference. The sessions are free to all and places can be booked online at: www.dementiafriends.org.uk/WEBSession or just pop along on the day. Each session only takes about an hour and is designed to be interactive, informative and enlightening. Details of the sessions during Dementia Action Week are: · Tilehurst Library, Tuesday 22nd May (12-1pm) · Battle Library, Tuesday 22nd May (2-3pm) · Southcote Library, Tuesday 22nd May (6-7pm) · Palmer Park Library, Wednesday 23rd May (10-11am) · Caversham Library, Wednesday 23rd May (12 – 1pm) · Whitley Library, Thursday 24th May (2-3pm) · Reading Library , Thursday 24th May (2-3pm) The Dementia Friends programme is an Alzheimer’s Society initiative to change people’s perceptions around dementia.

Cllr Graeme Hoskin, Reading’s Lead Member for Health, said:

“Dementia is a condition that is affecting more and more of us. Dementia progressively has an impact on individuals living with dementia, families and carers, but when communities become dementia-aware and dementia-friendly, it can have a positive effect on promoting people’s ability to live independently for as long as possible. Families and carers also benefit from this approach as it can help support them to continue to care for someone living with dementia. “This year Dementia Action Week is about getting everyone to take an action. We ask you to join the pledge and carry out a task from something small to as big as you can manage. Every action counts: You could take part in one of the free sessions during the week, visit someone living with dementia, become a Dementia Friend or commit your organisation to become dementia friendly and sign-up to the Dementia Action Alliance.”

Cllr Rachel Eden, Reading’s Lead Member for Adult Social Care, said:

“There are over 100 different types of dementia and dementia affects each person differently - that’s why it’s so important we take the time to really understand what it is like to live with dementia. “Dementia affects all of us - colleagues, family, neighbours and loved ones. Dementia is now the single biggest killer and unfortunately there is currently no cure. However it is possible to live well with dementia in our town, with increased understanding and support in our communities. “I’d encourage people to come along to the free ‘Dementia Friends’ sessions taking place across Reading libraries and find out more about the small things that can be done to make a big difference.”

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Find out more about Dementia Awareness: www.alzheimers.org.uk/DementiaActionWeek

Reading’s Dementia Action Alliance (DAA)

Reading’s Dementia Action Alliance (DAA), founded in 2013, brings partners together with the aim of improving the lives of people with dementia. The DAA work to improve awareness and understanding of dementia so people have the information they need to reduce the risk of developing dementia as well as to live well with dementia. The organisation also aims to ensure people with dementia have equal access to the health and wellbeing support which is available to everyone. DDA Members include: Age UK Berkshire, Age UK Reading, Alzheimer’s Society, Blandy & Blandy LLP, Clifton Ingram LLP Solicitors, Enabled Healthcare, Gateley Plc, Health Education Thames Valley, Home Instead Senior Care, Reading, Progress Theatre, Q1Care Ltd, ReadiBus, Reading Borough Council, Reading Buses, Reading Libraries, Reading Voluntary Action, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS), South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and The Oracle Shopping Centre. www.dementiaaction.org.uk/local_alliances/5845_reading_dementia_action_alliance The National Dementia Helpline is 0300 222 11 22 for information, support or advice. People interested in becoming a Dementia Friend can find out more at www.dementiafriends.org.uk