As part of Dementia Action Week, Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage will host an Alzheimer's Society 'Dementia Friends' session in her constituency office.
The event, on 25th May from 3.30-4.30pm is free and open to the public who can sign up to become 'Dementia Friends' as part of a nationwide initiative led by Alzheimer's Society. The campaign aims to ensure that people living with dementia feel included in their community and gives people an understanding of dementia and the small things they can do to make a difference.
Speaking in advance of the event, Caroline said:
"My grandma lived with dementia and I saw first-hand the effect it had on her and the rest of our family. I became a 'Dementia Friend' back in 2015 to better understand how to support people living with dementia in our community. I really want to see our area become 'dementia friendly' and will continue to work with Alzheimer's Society and local people to see this become a reality."
Jane Essery, Alzheimer's Society Services Manager for the area, said:
"It's great MP Caroline Dinenage will host a Dementia Friends session as 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. 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 - anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend."
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.
The training session will take place at 167 Stoke Road, Gosport, PO12 1SE from 1530 to 1630. The event is free but booking is essential via [email protected] or 02392 583127.
