A range of activities are being organised across Colchester and the surrounding area to mark Dementia Action Week 2019
Dementia Action Week which takes place 20 -26 May unites people, workplaces, schools and communities to take action and improve the lives of people living with dementia.
Community360 based in Colchester supports individuals, voluntary and community groups to campaign and raise awareness about dementia in their local communities. Working with key partners across the region they are supporting Dementia Action Week with a series of events to bring together those living with dementia.
Organisations such as The Alzheimer’s Society, Essex Partnership University Foundation (EPUT), Dementia Action Alliance Partners, Foxburrow Grange Care Home and Colchester Borough Council are taking part in events throughout the week.
They will be running and taking part in a number of events to raise awareness of dementia and to encourage individuals in their organisations, residents and other organisations to take action that will make everyday life better for people affected by dementia.
Tracy Rudling, CEO of Community360 said “Almost all of us know someone affected by dementia. But too many people living with dementia report feeling cut off from their community, losing their friendships and facing dementia alone.
“Having dementia shouldn’t mean an isolated life. And it doesn’t have to. Simple actions from us all can create supportive communities – where people living with the condition can continue to socialise with others, hop on the bus, go to their favourite shops or take part in local activities for as long as possible
“We also hope to reach more people than ever to make sure people living with dementia have access to the support and information they need within our localities, situated in the heart of communities throughout Essex. It’s vital that people living with dementia feel recognised, valued and supported in their local communities.
“This is a very important week to raise awareness of dementia and how it can affect those living with dementia and their loved ones and we are delighted to be supporting this week.”
The ONE Colchester Hub (next door to Primark) is the focal point for the launch of Dementia Awareness Week. With the Mayor Cllr Peter Chillingworth officially opening the week of activities. On Monday 20 May, Cllr Chillingworth will be at The Hub from 2.30pm sharing a cup of tea and cake, where there is an opportunity for people to discuss and find out more about how to make Colchester a more dementia friendly community.
Mayor and mayoress elect, Cllr Nick Cope and Mrs Cope will also be taking part in some of the events during the week to mark Dementia Action Week
The council will also be running a number of sessions for its staff to raise awareness of dementia and the signs to be looking out for when dealing with people contacting its services.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Mark Cory, said: “We are dementia friendly organisation that believes we can make a huge difference to the lives of those living with the condition if those around them and the people they come into contact with understand the difficulties they face.
“We are committed to creating a Better Colchester for everyone and ensuring anyone contacting our services receive the support and help they need. We are delighted to be playing our part supporting Dementia Action Week.
Mark Neville, the Alzheimer’s Society Essex Dementia Friendly Communities Co-ordinator and Chair of the PAN Essex Dementia Action Alliance said that ‘the Alzheimer’s Society were delighted to be supporting the events in Colchester next week and working with Community360, in designing and delivering services to those affected by dementia.”
“Essex is working towards becoming a Dementia Friendly Community where the needs of those living with dementia are understood and met. This necessitates that key stakeholders throughout Essex, including people living with dementia, carers, businesses, health, third sector and social care work closely together in order to achieve this.”
He added: “Dementia Action Week provides an opportunity to highlight the work that is going on throughout Essex and nationally to support people affected by dementia.”
Children from Broomgrove Junior School will be visiting The Hub at 1300 hours to present their graphic thoughts on how they can be more dementia friendly. They will then produce a tree of thoughts artwork mural. Students will also chat and get involved with those living with dementia, participating in art and craft activities during the afternoon.
New and existing Dementia Action Alliance partners will also be showcasing services and sharing Dementia Friends best practice.
For more information on the events taking place during Dementia Action Week log onto www.community360.orgFrom history walks to garden fetes, pop up hairdressers to an information market stall in Colchester High Street on Friday 24th May the week promises to do what is says and bring communities together, championing the work done by organisations who help to make those people living with dementia a far better one.“We would welcome anyone to pop into the Hub to find out more on how to become a dementia friend and to see the fabulous work being done by the Dementia Action Alliance across Colchester.” Commented Tracy Rudling. “Staff will also be on hand from the Emerald Centre who are bringing a fabulous display of artwork done by those living with dementia.”
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