Watford Council is proud to support the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Action Week - a nationwide event dedicated to raising awareness of dementia and promoting an understanding of its symptoms. This year the week will be held 15 – 21 May.
More than 850,000 people in the UK have dementia. NHS.co.uk reports that 1 in 14 of those are over the age of 65, 1 in 6 people are over the age of 80. It is incredibly challenging for those living with the condition and their loved ones. Dementia Action Week aims to help people ‘act on dementia’ and recognise the symptoms at the earliest opportunity.
Watford is a proud dementia-friendly town and during this week we will be highlighting the support, resources and organisations in place to help those living with dementia and their carers. The town has made significant strides in becoming more dementia-friendly, providing businesses such as Morrisons with ‘Dementia Friends’ training and allowing them to better understand the needs of their customers with dementia. There are also various clubs, cafes and social events run throughout the year. The council is keen to keep up the momentum and is encouraging the community to work together to help those who are affected by this condition.
On Monday 15 May, the council will be holding ‘Dementia Friends’ sessions, inviting businesses and residents to attend and learn how to create a welcoming environment for individuals with dementia and their carers.
Monday 15 May
Open to public session – Villiers Arms, 108 Villiers Rd, Watford WD19 4AJ (3pm – 4pm) To book contact Councillor Jennifer Pattison on Jennifer.pattison@watford.gov.uk or call 07515 468580
Businesses session – Watford Town Hall Annexe, 2nd Floor, Room 208 (6pm – 7pm), click here to book
Wednesday 17 May
Watford residents session – The Business Lounge, West Herts College (Watford Campus), Hempstead Road, WD17 3EZ (7pm – 8pm), click here to book
In partnership with Watford FC ‘Golden Memories’, there will also be a drop-in ‘Dementia Awareness Raising Event’ held at Vicarage Road Stadium, inviting residents and their carers to raise awareness of the dementia-friendly local clubs and socials available in Watford. There will be also be musical entertainment, activities and refreshments.
The ‘Forget me not’ restaurant, in partnership with West Herts College students, will also be offering those living with dementia and their carers a relaxed dining experience on Friday 19 May from 11:45am – 2pm. The students are able to help provide dementia friendly customer service and help those living with dementia to live well, allowing them to enjoy eating out without stigma or exclusion. To make a reservation at the ‘Forget Me Not’ restaurant, please call 01923 812464 or email reservations@westherts.ac.uk
We will also be launching the new ‘Memory Café and Carer’s Retreat’ in partnership with the Healthy Hub and Home Instead Watford. The drop-in sessions will provide the opportunity for residents to socialise with others who are living with dementia whilst learning about the support and resources available in the community. We understand that dementia can be a challenging and isolating experience, and we hope that these new sessions will help make attendees feel more connected to others going through similar experiences.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “So many of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime. I know that this illness has an impact on many local families every day and we are all committed to doing everything we can to help those living with it. Dementia Action Week is an important opportunity to bring people together and raise awareness of this condition.”
Councillor Jennifer Pattinson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Wellbeing, “During last year’s Dementia Action week, the Alzheimer’s Society saw a 43% average increase in calls to their Dementia support line from those seeking information and support. This shows how important these awareness weeks are and the positive impact they have. Watford’s Dementia Steering Group works hard all year round to ensure there are events and activities for people living Dementia and their loved ones.”