THE NEXT generation are joining the push for a dementia-friendly community after Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams held her first Dementia Friends Session in the constituency with Oldham Youth Council.
Mrs Abrahams has made creating a dementia-friendly Oldham one of her top ten priorities and is the only MP so far to become a Dementia Friends Champion.
She hosted her first ever session in Parliament in July and raised more than £650 for the Alzheimer’s Society by completing the Great Manchester 10k run during Dementia Awareness Week.
And now she is getting people of all ages in her constituency involved – starting with the Oldham Youth Council during their annual residential at Castleshaw Outdoor Education Centre in Delph.
Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said: “Being diagnosed with dementia can come as a terrible shock but very many people continue to live fulfilling lives with the support of those around them.
“What’s important is that we work as a community to make Oldham and Saddleworth as dementia-friendly as possible as our population grows older.
“By starting this work now we are already helping those with dementia and their carers who can also find life somewhat isolating if we’re not aware of their needs too.”
Meanwhile Helen Morris, who is Services Manager in the Greater Manchester area for Alzheimer’s Society, is developing a ‘dementia friendly communities’ project in Uppermill.
She said: “Our team is working with some great people, helping to make the public aware of the increasing numbers of people affected by dementia and how simple steps can make life a little bit easier for everyone.”
The Oldham Dementia Action Alliance was recently launched to help make the borough a friendlier place for those with dementia.
Members include Oldham Council, Greater Manchester Police, Oldham Community Leisure, businesses and charities.
For more information about dementia sessions or to become a Dementia Friend, visit: www.dementiafriends.org.ukor call Sue Neilson on 0161 622 6637.
To support Oldham in becoming a Dementia Friendly Community, visit www.dementiaaction.org.uk or contact Julie Eastham on 0161 622 6525.
You must be logged in to post a comment.