Creating a "Dementia Friendly" Community

Cheshire West and Chester Council, through a partnership with Western Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group and the Countess of Chester Hospital are working together to raise awareness of dementia and to inspire and help people to create dementia friendly communities.

Malpas is working towards becoming the first dementia friendly community in the borough. Dementia friendly communities are villages, towns and cities where more people understand dementia, there is less fear and avoidance, and people living with dementia are included and supported to live independently for longer. There has been a great deal of enthusiasm, determination and involvement from members of the local community such that a launch event was scheduled for the 10th January 2014 at the Jubilee Centre, Malpas. That event included opportunities for people to attend an information session to become a Dementia Friend and turn understanding into action, to make a difference to people living with dementia in their community.

Does Tarvin want to repeat that presentation if we can organise a similar event in Tarvin?

About Dementia Friends

People with dementia sometimes need a helping hand to go about their daily lives and feel included in their local community. Dementia Friends is giving people an understanding of dementia and the small things they can do that can make a difference to people living with dementia – from helping someone find the right bus to spreading the word about dementia.

Dementia Friends want to create a network of a million Dementia Friends across England by 2015.

You can get involved in two ways: become a Dementia Friends Champion or become a Dementia Friend.

What is a Dementia Friend?

A Dementia Friend learns a little bit more about what it's like to live with dementia and then turns that understanding into action – anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend. From helping someone to find the right bus to spreading the word about dementia on social media, every action counts.

If you are interested in becoming a Dementia Friend and joining a national initiative that will help people living with dementia feel included in their communities, then you need to register as a Dementia Friend and go to one of our Friends' information sessions

What is a Dementia Friends Champion?

A Dementia Friends Champion is a volunteer who encourages others to make a positive difference to people living with dementia in their community. They do this by giving them information about the personal impact of dementia, and what they can do to help.

It's easy to get involved. Dementia Friends Champions will attend a training session, receive support when they need it, and be part of a growing network of people creating dementia friendly communities together.

If you would like to be considered as a Dementia Friend or Champion then you need to register on the Dementia Friends' website here

ED: Do you think Tarvin should follow Malpas's initiative and organise a similar event to encourage volunteers to help those with dementia? Send your comments to either editor@tarvinonline.org, our Facebook page, or, via the site Blog
We would welcome your comments