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20.
September
2017.
Working to become Dementia Friendly

Working to become Dementia Friendly

 

A new scheme to support organisations, local businesses and community groups to become more dementia-friendly has been introduced in the city.

 

On World Alzheimer's Day (September 21), Cardiff Council is calling on public, private and third sector services to join a social movement that is improving the lives of people affected by dementia.

 

The city is currently working with Alzheimer's Society Cymru towards becoming a community that is supportive and inclusive of people with dementia and now the Council is seeking to enlist the support of other organisations to help build a Dementia Friendly Community in Cardiff.

 

A new pledge scheme that supports organisations to learn about and implement small changes to become more dementia-friendly is underway and a number of organisations have already pledged to become more dementia-friendly.

 

By pledging their support, an organisation agrees to support staff or volunteers to attend a Dementia Friends awareness session, to raise the profile of dementia by displaying the Dementia Friendly logo and committing to treat people affected by dementia with understanding, dignity and respect.

 

Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Susan Elsmore, said: "Cardiff Council has made the commitment to become a Dementia Friendly Capital City and we now want the help of organisations in the city to help us achieve that aim.

 

"With an increasing ageing population, dementia is quickly becoming the biggest health and social challenge of our time so we want to ensure that as a city we are as prepared as possible to support those affected by the condition, as well as their families, carers and friends.

 

"We want Cardiff to be a place where people affected by dementia can continue to prosper and enjoy life, safe in the knowledge that the wider community is understanding and supportive of their needs.

 

"There's some fantastic work already going on in the city and we want to build on that by encouraging organisations to make a pledge. By pledging to become more dementia-friendly, organisations will be making a huge difference to people affected by dementia and whether it's a big or small change, every action helps. I urge them to pledge their support and spread the word."

 

Melanie Andrews, Operations Manager for Alzheimer's Society Cymru in South East Wales said: "We are thrilled to see Cardiff Council leading the way to make Cardiff a Dementia Friendly Community.

 

"Too many people are facing dementia alone. There are over 4,000 people in Cardiff with dementia; this is a significant step to unite with them on World Alzheimer's Day (Thursday).

 

"A dementia-friendly community is a city, town or village where people with dementia are understood, respected, supported, and confident they can contribute to community life.

Cardiff Council can play a pivotal role in supporting people with dementia to continue to engage with society and help grow the dementia movement.

 

"We are urging people, business and organisations across the capital to come together this World Alzheimer's Day and unite against dementia".

 

To mark World Alzheimer's Day, Cardiff City Hall will light up in blue - the colour of the Dementia Friends forget-me-not symbol - tonight to help raise awareness and mark the launch of the pledge scheme.

 

For more information on Dementia Friendly Communities visitalzheimers.org.uk/dementiafriendlycommunities