Time to start talking and include people with dementia in Formby for Dementia Action Week
Alzheimer’s Society’s #AskUsAnything campaign, to mark Dementia Action Week (20-26 May), urges people of Sefton to include people with dementia and start a conversation, The campaign shows research, that despite almost all of us knowing someone affected by the condition, two- thirds of people living with dementia report feeling isolated and lonely. In the UK, one person develops dementia every three minutes so small acts of kindness such as calling a relative with dementia, visiting a neighbour or becoming a Dementia Friend, can help towards creating a dementia-friendly generation.
Alzheimer’s Society Sefton will be kick starting the week by having an information stand at Formby Pool, Elbow Lane on Thursday 16th May from 9.30am to 12noon. Linda Lawson, Information Worker for the local Alzheimer’s Society office said “Many people are worried about ‘saying the wrong thing’ to someone with dementia, yet a friendly face or listening ear can make the world of difference. Even in the later stages of dementia when having a conversation might become difficult, keeping in touch can bring feelings of happiness and comfort, especially as the ‘emotional memory’ remains with them long after the memory of the visit may have gone. We all have a role in Sefton to help create a dementia-friendly generation, changing the way people think, talk and act about dementia.”
Linda added “Alzheimer’s Society is determined to make sure no-one with dementia has to face a future alone. So please do pop into Formby Pool and we will be pleased to answer your dementia related questions. There are around 4,600 people living with dementia in Sefton, with the right support people can live well and have an active life for many years. Don’t try to struggle with dementia alone, there is so much help and information available to you in your area. We are here to support anyone affected by dementia and it can start by finding a local event near you this Dementia Action Week. Unite with us now at alzheimers.org.uk/DAW.” Alzheimer’s Society in Sefton runs a number of services including activity groups, Memory Cafés, email news updates, factsheets, carers and information courses and they have a team of Dementia Support Workers supporting and giving information to families living with this condition.
For more details of these services and other Dementia Action Week events please call the local office on 01704 539967 or email seftonoffice@alzheimers.org.uk
