Even the smallest of changes can make a whole world of difference to someone living with dementia.
And while dementia may take away someone’s memories, it’s vital to know that their feelings and emotions are still there.
That was the message being shared among students and staff at Redcar and Cleveland College in its latest effort to help spread the word as a Dementia Friendly college.
A staggering 423 new recruits signed up to be Dementia Friends during a one day “Dementia Awareness blitz”.
“Our aim was to reach as many people as possible as dementia is something that touches everyone’s lives, whether it be a parent, grandparent, neighbour, friend or colleague,” said Michelle Kelso, the college’s Programme Area Lead for Access, Health and Early Years.
“Having a greater understanding not only of the signs and symptoms of dementia but also knowing what to expect, enables people to then turn that knowledge into action.”
The college is working with Dementia Friendly Redcar and Cleveland and Alzheimer’s Society to help find ways to make life easier for those living with dementia.
The awareness event saw 10 Dementia Friends Champions from across the borough give their time to deliver information sessions at the college.
Michelle said: “We were overwhelmed by the number of people, both students and staff, who wanted to get involved.
“Afterwards many opened up about their own experiences, including those who are caring for a family member at the moment and how they recognised the symptoms and behaviours from the session.”
Brian Rowcroft, Project Lead for Dementia Friendly Redcar and Cleveland, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people involved and there was a real buzz to the event. Hopefully they will have learnt a little more about the reality of living with dementia and, as a result, commit to an action to make a difference in the community.”
Those actions can be anything from committing to do something to directly help those living with dementia, to reaching out to a friend or loved one with the condition or to simply help share the message.
The Dementia Friends programme is a national initiative to help change people’s perceptions of dementia, transforming the way they think, act and talk about the condition.
Edward Chivers, Dementia Friends Officer for the North-east, said: “The more people that can help spread the message the better. The idea is to raise people’s understanding and awareness but also to encourage them to take action to make simple changes to everyday life that could make all the difference to someone with dementia.
“By talking about dementia it helps to reduce the stigma. We currently have more than three million Dementia Friends and through events like the one at Redcar and Cleveland College we hope to make more.”
