Dementia diagnosis and scam awareness are two of the many topics covered in a series of free events taking place during National Dementia Action Week this week (17- 23 May).
Led by the Alzheimer's Society, this year's theme is #CureTheCareSystem - and organisations across Plymouth are holding local events to encourage more people in the city to become dementia friends. COVID-19 has exacerbated the challenges people living with dementia have already been facing, so this year is a call for meaningful change to enable people to live a life with meaning, purpose and connection.
Organisations such as Plymouth City Council, Livewell Southwest, the University of Plymouth and Memory Matters SW are taking part in activities throughout the week to raise awareness of dementia, and to encourage individuals and organisations to take action that will make everyday life better for people affected by dementia.
Ian Sheriff BEM, Chair of Plymouth Dementia Action Alliance and Academic Partnership lead for Dementia at the University of Plymouth, said:
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair." Charles Dickens, 'A Tale of Two Cities.' Over the past twelve months, the words of Charles Dickens sums up our COVID-19 world.
"The pandemic has highlighted the need to ensure that all the fine words documented in reports, guides and standards on integrational supportive communities for the most vulnerable in our communities are tuned in to actions. The Plymouth Dementia Action Alliance (P.D.A.A.) coordinates over 100 members whose actions support people living with dementia and their families in Plymouth.
"Dementia, as a hidden disability, is a significant health and social care challenge faced by our society. It can only be tackled through new approaches that draw on all parts of our communities. In March 2012, the then Prime Minister, David Cameron, set a challenge to deliver major improvements in dementia care and research. One of the key aims of the challenge is to raise public awareness about dementia and build inclusive Dementia Friendly Communities".
Claire Puckey, Dementia Friendly City Coordinator for Plymouth City Council, said:
"This year is obviously very different to previous ones due to ongoing Covid restrictions but there are still a number of great virtual events taking place this year in Plymouth that are open to the public. We also have awareness sessions happening for Plymouth City Council, and Drake Circus staff. So if you want to know more about Dementia and how you can help make the city more Dementia Friendly then please do get involved."
