Survey shows many of us are ready to become Dementia Champions (From The Northern Echo)
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Survey shows many of us are ready to become Dementia Champions
7:00am Tuesday 12th February 2013 in News
By Barry Nelson, Health Editor
NEW research shows that 41 per cent of people in the North-East feel they have a role to play to support people with dementia in their local community.
But only 48 per cent feel they have a good understanding of dementia.
Dementia Friends, a pioneering initiative being launched by Alzheimer's Society today, aims to help a million people make a difference to the lives of people living with dementia.
From today anyone can follow in the footsteps of these Alzheimer's Society supporters and register online for a Dementia Friend session.
The Alzheimer's Society will give people the knowhow to help people with dementia feel understood and included in their local communities. Everyday tasks from helping someone struggling to find the right bus to encouraging someone else to become a Dementia Friend or a volunteer will help to build a network across the country.
Dementia Friends Champions will attend a training course, receive ongoing support and be part of a growing network of people creating dementia friendly communities together.
Caroline Burden area manager for Alzheimer's Society in the North-East said: "People with dementia want to remain independent and engaged in their communities by continuing to socialise with their friends and family and be as active as possible.
"As the brain gradually shuts down, people with dementia sometimes need a helping hand to go about their daily lives and feel included in their local community which is why the Dementia Friends initiative is of such importance and will help to improve the quality of life for someone living with dementia."
Visit dementiafriends.org.uk to find out more
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