Saddleworth Dementia Friends Champion Helen Morris, from Dobcross, shares some thoughts on the important of having and using our potential.
Dementia Friends Champion Helen Morris offers some thoughts on the importance of having and using our potential.
I am exploring new opportunities for people who are affected by dementia to use their potential to help develop Dementia Friendly communities here in Saddleworth
In national consultation with people who are affected by dementia, the Alzheimer’s Society developed a framework for a Dementia Friendly Community.
It includes obvious elements like early diagnosis and post diagnostic support, accessible transport, easy signage and better-informed service in shops and facilities but also somekey aspects like realizing personal potential.
Put another way, to be an active and influential part of activities and resources provided and not just a passive recipient of that support.
We wake every morning knowing we have the potential to make a difference. When people are diagnosed with dementia they are no different and this is brilliant news for everyone because they, more than anyone, can inspire ‘change’.
Having the ‘potential’ to make a difference is central to ensuring a good quality of life after a diagnosis of dementia.
In my new post with the Alzheimer’s Society I have been tasked with leading a small teamto support Uppermill as it becomes one of six Dementia Friendly Communities in Greater Manchester, using this framework.
To accomplish this I need people who are affected by dementia to agree what the prioritiescould be for this area. We can then use this work to extend across Saddleworth.
The national work already done can provide a sound platform but we must be sure‘change’ here is led by Saddleworth concerns.
So I will be running a consultation event to canvas these opinions soon and need a small group who are willing to steer this event and my project with me. I want to attract people in positions of authority win the community and people affected by dementia.
We would meet to arrange the consultation and then three times a year to agree what my team should be doing and how else we can gather support.
If you or anyone you know might be interested in this activity please contact me so I canissue formal invitations to become involved.
I can be reached by post at Alzheimer’s Society, Dunham House, 85-89 Cross Street,Manchester M337HH, by email at Helen.morris@alzheimers.org.uk or you call or text me on 07740 178310.
Learning these things now may help us all as we live our longer lives. By living longer it is likely that many of us will learn to live with Dementia ourselves and / or support someone else who is close to us.
For details of local Dementia Friends Sessions please visit http://www.close-communications.com/dementia-friends
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