Dementia Action Week: How To Get Involved In 2019
Over 850,000 people in the UK are currently living with dementia, and with numbers set to rise to over 1 million by 2025, it is more important than ever that we strive to increase awareness to help improve care and wellbeing.
The 20th May marks the start of Dementia Action Week 2019, where thousands of people up and down the country will be hosting events to raise awareness and open up conversations about dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society are encouraging people to start a conversation in any way they can, from visiting a relative to hosting an awareness day at work, each small step takes us closer to greater understanding.
Relish, specialists in designing activities for those living with dementia to help them lead active lives, have put together their top ways to get involved this Dementia Action Week.
Raise Awareness
Information Stands
A great way to start a conversation about dementia is with the people around you. Hosting an information stand in your workplace or local supermarket can be a great way to provide information and raise awareness at the same time. The Alzheimer’s Society have some fantastic resources that can be utilised to help with information led events.
Assembly at School
With 38% of the UK population knowing someone living with dementia, it’s more important than ever to educate the younger generations in the effects of dementia. Holding an assembly at school, or perhaps conducting some activities in class can help to educate and start the conversation about dementia early.
Hold an Open Day
A brilliant way to get the whole community involved and talking about dementia is to host an open day. Explore the different groups in your community and bring them together for an event such as a local music concert or art show, or why not invite people to your local care home and put on a show for the residents.
Take Action
Visit a Loved One
Many people are worried about saying the wrong thing to someone living with dementia, but just being there for someone can mean so much. Visiting your loved one, whether they live at home or in a care home, can be a brilliant way to start your conversation this Dementia Action Week. Why not take some Relish dementia activities to make your visit both engaging and extra special.
Volunteer at a Dementia Café
Dementia cafes are wonderful places where people living with dementia can have a cup of tea and relax with someone who understands. The cafes are brilliant for encouraging socialisation and providing information to those living with dementia.
Quite often dementia cafes will be looking for volunteers who want to help make a difference, so why not see what opportunities are available in your community and consider signing up as a regular volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Society.
Become a Dementia Champion
Help to make a positive difference to people living in your community by becoming a Dementia Friends Champion. Dementia Champions provide information about dementia and the ways it can affect daily life. Explore how you can get involved in this great scheme by visiting the Dementia Friends website.
Start Talking
The main aim of Dementia Action Week is to encourage conversations. Many of us will know someone living with dementia, and by taking the time to have chat with them can be highly beneficial. So, it’s time to start talking. With a whole host of organised events, the opportunity to start your own, or simply just visiting a relative and lending an ear, there are numerous ways to get involved this Dementia Action Week.
