Who?
The North Wales Dementia Friendly Communities Scheme has been developed by the North Wales Regional Partnership Board (which comprises the 6 Local Authorities, County Voluntary Councils and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board).
What?
The scheme recognises the legacy of Alzheimer’s Societies Dementia Friendly Communities Programme and aims to support continued recognition of communities in North Wales who are on their journey to becoming more dementia friendly.
To make North Wales a dementia friendly region, the scheme is designed to encourage new and existing Dementia Friendly Communities to raise awareness of dementia and support people living with dementia to remain an active part of their community.
Why?
It is important that people living with dementia, their friends, families, and carers feel understood, respected, and valued as members of their community. Dementia Friendly Communities help people living with dementia to live independently, the way they want to live, for as long as possible.
Everyone can play an active role in making their community more dementia friendly. This includes but is not limited to, local businesses, retailers, faith groups, emergency services, health, and social care services and those affected by dementia!
Remember, making your community more dementia friendly is an ongoing journey, as dementia care and research progresses, so will your Dementia Friendly Community.
What is a Dementia Friendly Community?
Dementia Friendly Communities are inclusive of all. They aspire to raise community awareness and understanding of dementia and reduce stigma. Dementia Friendly Communities are made up of individuals and businesses/organisations from the local community who share the same objectives for improving community life for people living with dementia.
A Dementia Friendly Community steering group coordinate and promote dementia friendly actions within the community. Through engaging with the community, the steering group identify areas for local action, for example, arts, shops and students, and work to make small changes within these areas to make them more dementia friendly and accessible.
Dementia Friendly Community steering groups also work alongside local shops, organisations, schools, and local authorities to raise awareness and provide teaching/training opportunities.
Alzheimer’s Society
Alzheimer’s Society help and support people living with dementia, they are made up of people with dementia, carers, trusted experts, campaigners, researchers, and clinicians.
As a society, they provide dementia support services, fund dementia research and campaign for the voices of people living with dementia to be heard. The Alzheimer’s Society website provided a wealth of information about dementia, support services, research and how to get involved in their dementia initiatives and campaigns.
Alzheimer’s Societies’ Dementia Friends Initiative
Dementia Friendly Communities flourish when members of the community are aware of and understand the effects dementia has on people. Alzheimer’s Societies’ Dementia Friends Initiative may help you on your journey to make our community more dementia friendly.
Alzheimer’s Societies’ Dementia Friends Initiative aims to raise awareness and understanding of dementia. Dementia Friends are individuals who learn more about how dementia affects people and then take action to support people living with dementia in their community. Actions can be small, for example taking the time to be a companion for someone living with dementia, however, small actions can make a big difference to the life and wellbeing of a person living with dementia.