North Lincolnshire Council is supporting Alzheimer’s Society’s #AskUsAnything campaign, to mark Dementia Action Week (20 to 26 May).
Residents in North Lincolnshire, where there are 2,520 people living with dementia, are encouraged to include people with dementia by saying hello and having a chat.
The campaign is announced as research shows that despite almost all of us knowing someone affected by the condition, two-thirds of people living with dementia report feeling isolated and lonely.
People living with dementia have starred in a video to answer questions that are busting myths and showing that people with dementia are still the same people. This can be viewed on YouTube.
Public awkwardness and anxiety plays a part in the isolation that people living with dementia experience – over half of the general public reported that they didn’t feel confident inviting someone with dementia to a meal at home.
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.
Local events throughout Dementia Action Week will help people to start a conversation and unite against dementia. Events will include:
- Free taster physical activity session at The Pods sports hall on Monday 20 May from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. There will be chair-based exercise, table tennis and bowls.
- The Foundry, Scunthorpe, 100 Pledge Challenge on Thursday 23 May from 11am to 2pm. It aims to create change, educate, create Dementia Friends and raise awareness.
- Dementia Friends Training on Thursday 23 May from 9am to 10am at the Engineering UTC Northern Lincolnshire, Carlton Street Scunthorpe. Learn more about dementia and the small ways you can help. To book your place call01724 296428 or email farzana.khanum@northlincs.gov.uk.
Davina Hellon, Area Manager for Alzheimer’s Society in North Lincolnshire 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 North Lincolnshire to help create a dementia-friendly generation, changing the way people think, talk and act about dementia. There are currently around 2.8 million Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends in the UK.
“Alzheimer’s Society is determined to make sure no-one with dementia has to face a future alone. 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’s Dementia Friends programme is the UK’s biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about the condition, tackling the lack of understanding that means many people with the condition experience loneliness and social exclusion. The over 400 dementia friendly communities across England & Wales see local businesses committing to support their customers and employees affected by dementia. From the taxi driver to the hairdresser and the bus company to the newsagent, everyone can identify things they can do to support people with dementia to live the lives they want and be involved in their local communities.
Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. We provide information and support, fund research, campaign to improve care and create lasting change for people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
