Damian hosted a Dementia Friends information session today at the Alton Community Centre. This is the first time Damian has led an information session since becoming a Dementia Friends 'Champion' earlier in the year and he plans to hold a series of these events across East Hampshire in the coming months.
The Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends programme has been set up to increase understanding of dementia, recognising that it can result in people experiencing loneliness and social isolation. The society aims to create more communities and businesses that are dementia friendly so that people affected feel understood and included.
To help achieve this aim volunteer Dementia Friends Champions run information sessions to boost awareness and understanding about the condition and to help the society reach their target of creating more than 4 million Dementia Friends by 2020.
Damian said:
“I was delighted by the turn out and by the way people got involved with the session. We explored some of the common misconceptions about dementia and how life can be very challenging for those with the condition. We also looked at practical ways that we can help relieve some of difficulties, often just by taking a little bit more time to consider the needs of the individuals affected. I hope everyone that came will sign up to be a Dementia Friend - indeed many already have - and help promote a better understanding of this disease.”
Bookings for the next event in Petersfield on Friday 11 December can be made via the Dementia Friends website:
https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/WEBSessionDetails?id=a052000000MEQsqAAH#.Vh-NiXnlupo
