James Heappey MP and his team have taken a key step towards helping end the stigma surrounding dementia by becoming Dementia Friends.
Dementia Friends was launched in February 2013 by Alzheimer’s Society. It is a trailblazing initiative that aims to help people understand what it might be like to live with dementia and turn that understanding into action. Alzheimer’s Society is aiming to have four million Dementia Friends by 2020, to help make England more dementia-friendly and improve the lives of the 650,000 people currently living with the condition in the country.
Mr Heappey and office colleagues took part in a number of exercises aimed at helping participants understand the effect of dementia on people’s everyday lives.
James said: ‘I've signed up to show my support for Dementia Friends, and am encouraging people in Wells to do the same too. With a growing number of people living with dementia, it's more important than ever we all have a better understanding of the condition.
‘Dementia Friends is about giving people an understanding of dementia and the small things they can do that can make a difference to people living with dementia. From helping someone find the right bus to spreading the word about dementia, it can help make our local community a better place to live.’
‘Wells is working towards being a Dementia Friendly City. That’s a fantastic thing for us to aim for and I’m glad that my team and I can be a part of that.’
Natalia Peremiquel, Dementia Friends Champion, said: ‘Less than half of us think we know enough about dementia. Dementia Friends isn’t about creating experts, it’s about helping people understand a little bit more about what it’s like to live with the condition and then turn that understanding into action - anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend.’
- Dementia Friends is an Alzheimer’s Society initiative funded by the Department of Health and the Cabinet Office, as part of the Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia.
- Dementia Friends and Dementia Friends Champions can sign up through the Dementia Friends website www.dementiafriends.org.uk
- Dementia Friends is currently England and Wales only. However, Alzheimer's Society is committed to exploring how the Dementia Friends initiative might develop in Northern Ireland.
- Dementia Friends is part of Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friendly Communities programme. This programme focuses on improving inclusion and quality of life for people with dementia.
- 225,000 will develop dementia this year, that’s one every three minutes
- Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 850,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia. In less than ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to two million people by 2051
- Dementia costs the UK economy over £26 Billion per year. This is the equivalent of more than £30,000 per person with dementia.
- Alzheimer’s Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
- Alzheimer’s Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Alzheimer’s Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
- Alzheimer’s Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0300 222 11 22 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
If you are interested in becoming a Dementia Friend or helping create more communities that are dementia friendly, go to www.dementiafriends.org.uk to find your nearest information session or to volunteer as a Dementia Friends Champion.