Kirklees Council, Kirklees Dementia Action Alliance (KDAA) and partners hosted their first “Dementia Friendly Saturday” in Lindley on 21 January 2016
Dementia Friendly Saturday aimed to raise awareness of dementia whilst showcasing the help and support on offer for people living with the condition, and their carers, as well as those concerned that they, or someone they know, may have early signs of dementia.
Partner organisations, local businesses, community groups and schools supported the event, which saw a rolling programme of activities, information and dementia awareness including interactive activities, stalls, and dementia friends sessions.
Cllr Viv Kendrick, Kirklees Council, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care said “The development of Dementia Friendly Saturday has been a real team effort, strengthened by the support of our partners and local businesses.
“Through this event, we hoped to raise awareness of dementia across the local community, giving people an understanding of how it feels to live with the condition and how they can help to turn theirs into a Dementia Friendly Community. We hope other communities will be willing to host a similar event to raise awareness of dementia across the whole of Kirklees.”
Adam Fletcher, Chair of Kirklees Dementia Action Alliance added “Kirklees is leading the way across England and Wales in raising awareness about dementia and creating dementia friendly communities.
“The residents, schools and businesses of Lindley have really demonstrated their enthusiasm in the weeks leading up to Saturday’s event. The various events throughout the day were very well attended with the day closing to a packed audience at the Dementia Masterclass at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. The event has attracted enquiries from across the country and it is hoped that we will be able to replicate the event throughout Kirklees”
People can contact Elaine Bostock, Kirklees Dementia Action Alliance Project Coordinator on 07854028219, E-mail ebostock@kdaa.org.uk to find out more, or to offer practical support to this or future events.