AN alliance has been created in Braintree to make the town more dementia-friendly.
The Braintree District Dementia Action Alliance launched last Wednesday on Pan Essex Dementia Action Alliance day to encourage a greater understanding of the condition.
The alliance is made up of staff and volunteers from Braintree Council, George Yard Shopping Centre, Fusion Lifestyle, Greenfields Community Housing, Braintree Museum, Essex Police, Care UK, Essex Library Services, Colchester Institute, Action for Family Careers, Alzheimer’s Society, Active Essex, Blue Bird Care Braintree, Braintree Job Centre and the Warner Textile Archive.
Libraries across Essex have also launched a new memory support library card for people with memory problems. The card will be on offer to those who suffer memory loss as a result of dementia, mental ill health or learning difficulties.
Around 260 Greenfields’ residents are thought to have dementia. Housing director Sandra Crosby said: “The dementia friend campaign is about spreading the word about dementia and supporting those affected.
“This could range from dispelling myths through every-day conversations, to spending more time with family and friends who have dementia.”
Brenda Baker, George Yard Shopping Centre manager, said: “We always endeavour to provide the best services to our customers, and are happy to be able to extend our experience in support of more vulnerable members of the community.”
Around 240 staff and volunteers from the organisations involved have become volunteers, known as dementia friends, helping those with the condition.
These sessions are run by Alzheimer’s Society volunteers and are part of the nationwide campaign to create four million dementia friends.
Geoff Moore, of Alzheimer’s Society, said: “People affected by dementia tell us that increased awareness enables them to feel more confident as they go about their community and also to ask for help when they need it.”
To join the alliance email kryshia.fuller@braintree.gov.uk or call 01376 552525. For further information visit Dementia Friends
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