A Stockport-based group has been named among the final 26 in a national awards competition aimed at recognising work to make communities more dementia-friendly.
The Marple Dementia Drop-in group is a finalist in the national Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friendly Awards, which were set up in 2013 to recognise communities, organisations and individuals helping to make their area more dementia friendly.
Alzheimer’s Society received over 300 hundred entries across seven categories and the projectwhich has been shortlisted in the best dementia friendly project category.
The Marple Drop-in was established 16 months ago and is a key part of a bigger project to help make Marple more dementia-friendly.
Since it was founded, increasing numbers of people with dementia and their carers regularly attend the weekly drop-in for peer support, advice, information and to share a laugh with friends.
Jo Royle, who along with husband Mike is a new members to the group, said: “It’s wonderful that so much is happening. A group like this makes you feel less isolated.”
Dementia Friendly Marple is supported by EDUCATE, an inspiring group of residents with dementia who over the past five years have helped to promote a better understanding of dementia across Stockport and beyond.
EDUCATE’s aim is to work towards a genuinely dementia friendly community, where people with dementia can lead active lives without facing barriers that isolate them from everyone else. The Drop-in is an excellent example of how EDUCATE are fulfilling this ambition.
Councillor Keith Holloway, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Supporting Adults, said: “Groups such as the Marple Dementia Drop-in are making a huge contribution to supporting people with dementia and their carers to live well with dementia.
“It’s a fantastic achievement that the Marple Dementia Drop-in has been short-listed for this national award from the Alzheimer’s Society.”
For more information log onto www.dementiaaction.org.uk
If you have any concerns about dementia, please call the Alzheimer’s Society helpline on 0300 222 11 22 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
Picture courtesy of Soderstrom, with thanks.
