CAMPAIGNERS bidding to help people living with dementia across the city to have independent, fulfilled lives have been recognised by the Alzheimer’s Society.
The charity has designated Worcester as a place ‘which is working to become dementia-friendly’ and praised the efforts of the Worcester Dementia Action Alliance, which comprises representatives from local businesses, dementia carers, health workers and councillors.
Based on current figures, it is estimated at least 1,725 Worcester residents will have been diagnosed as living with dementia by 2030.
“We now have wide-spread acknowledgement across a range of organisations that we need to act now to ensure Worcester is a welcoming place both for the steadily rising number of people who are living with dementia, and those who care for them,” said Coun Lynn Denham, chair of the Worcester Dementia Action Alliance.
“The Alzeheimer Society’s endorsement demonstrates we have made progress and are moving in the right direction.”
Among the areas the alliance is tackling is regular liason with local taxi providers and the Worcester Taxi Forum, examining ways to help those living with dementia using city banks, increasing the number of opportunities for them to take part in cultural and leisure activities and better training for social and shared housing providers.
More ‘Dementia Friends’ are being sought across a range of faith and voluntary groups across the city and Worcester’s schools and youth clubs are being invited to learn more about dementia.
“It is fantastic to see the work the Worcester Dementia Action Alliance has carried out so far in raising awareness with local businesses, speaking to local people affected by dementia, and inspiring people to take action to make the city more dementia-friendly,” said Kat Horner, communities officer at the West Midlands branch of the Alzheimer’s Society.
“Their recognition as working to become a Dementia Friendly Community is well deserved, and I look forward to seeing this work grow and develop.”
Any local organisation or group can join the Dementia Action Alliance by simply committing to three actions to make their service or premises more dementia-friendly.
For example, Worcester Warriors invite people living with dementia and their carers to attend specific match days, where support is offered to them and a respite area is available for carers.
Call Remya Rajendren 01905 721143 or e-mail [email protected] for more.
