A poignant and insightful dementia awareness production is to presented by Oldham Dementia Action Alliance with Haylo Theatre Company at Oldham Library.
Haylo Theatre Company will present “Over the Garden Fence” on Wednesday, October 7.
It is a fast-paced, comical and uplifting exploration into how dementia affects the person living with the condition and those closest to them.
The company has performed to several sell out shows in Manchester and Liverpool in both educational and theatrical venues.
The free show will be followed by a question and answer session with local professionals who help support people with dementia.
The event is backed by Oldham Council and NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), who are members of the local alliance committed to helping people develop a better understanding of the condition and to live well with the disease.
Around 5,500 people in Oldham have already become Dementia Friends and learned about what it’s like to live with the condition and how they can help people.
With a helping hand, people living with dementia can still enjoy their hobbies, have good social networks and relationships and live independently for longer.
There are currently 1,900 Oldham residents who have been diagnosed as having dementia and this is predicted to rise by two thirds by 2030.
Councillor Jean Stretton, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “In the past 12 months, Oldham has already united on a grand scale, with so many residents, organisations and businesses already pledging to do their bit.
“However, we must do more and spread awareness of a condition which is predicted to affect one in three over the age of 65.
“The performance at Oldham Library will provide an eye-opening insight into how dementia can affect not only the person living with the condition, but family and friends.
“We all have a duty to ensure we have a better understanding of the issues that people living with dementia face and how we can support them.
“Why not take part in a Dementia Friends session? By just taking an hour of your time you can play a vital role in helping us create a dementia friendly society.”
Members of the public, businesses or local organisations who want to find out more about becoming a Dementia Friend in Oldham please contact Elizabeth Butler, Oldham Dementia Action Alliance Coordinator on 07843 267 977 or elizabeth.butler@makingspace.co.uk
There are free sessions open to the public taking place on Wednesday, October 7 at Age UK Oldham (1-2pm), 10 Church Lane, Oldham, OL1 3AN and Elizabeth Way Funeral Service (1-2pm), 906 Ashton Road, Oldham, OL8 3HT.
You can book your place and find out more about Dementia Friends session online at www.dementiafriends.org.uk
Over the Garden Fence takes place from 7 – 9pm on October 7 in Oldham Library’s new Performance Space. Please book your free place.
You can book at www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/local/over-the-garden-fence – or call 0161 770 4550/60.
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