Don't Face Dementia Alone

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Activities and information planned for Dementia Awareness Week

Hounslow Council has joined forces with Hounslow CCG [Clinical Commissioning Group] in the fight against dementia, during Dementia Awareness Week, the Alzheimer’s Society’s national campaign, which runs from Monday 21 May to Sunday 27 May 2018.

Dementia Awareness Week allows the council to let as many people know about dementia, it’s also a great opportunity for those with dementia to feel part of the community ensuring that nobody faces dementia alone. We want to help people understand that engaging in advance care planning can make a big difference to people living with dementia and provides basis for person-centred care in line with the wishes and preferences of the individual. It’s vital that people living with dementia feel recognised, valued and supported in their local communities.

In the UK, one person develops dementia every three minutes, yet too many people living with dementia face the condition alone and excluded from society. It is estimated that there are approximately 2038 people living with dementia in Hounslow. This is projected to increase to 4,335 people by 2045.

A  Hounslow Council spokesperson said:  "We have a fantastic week planned, offering a range of activities, information sessions and entertainment with a film screening.

"We're calling on people in Hounslow to show their support this Dementia Awareness Week. Dementia doesn't care who you are; it could affect us all. It's set to become a crisis by the middle of this century, with someone developing it every three minutes, and so many people are facing it alone.

"People living with dementia often feel - and are - misunderstood, marginalised and isolated but with the right support and understanding they can continue to live fulfilling lives and make a contribution to their communities. So, joins us and don’t face Dementia alone."

Throughout Dementia Awareness Week 2018, Hounslow Council staff, will be providing advice and support available to those touched by dementia, including families, carers and friends. To find out more, come along to some of the activities planned:

• Stretch and Tone, Southville Community Centre, Southville Road, Feltham TW14 8AP, Mon 21 May from 11.45am-12.30pm
• Singing for the Brain, Alzheimer’s Society, St Marys Church, Osterley TW7 4PW, Mon 21 May from 1.30pm -3.30pm
• Dementia seminar, Hounslow Multicultural Centre, 49-53 Derby Road, Hounslow TW3 3UQ, Mon 21 May from 2pm-3.30pm
• Boccia (Ball game), Southville Community Centre, Southville Road, Feltham TW14 8AP, Tue 22 May from 11.45am – 12.45pm
• My Life Films, Waterman’s Centre, 40 High St, Brentford TW8 0DS, Tue 22 May from 10.30am – 11.45am (fee payable)
• Dementia Friendly Day, Danehurst Centre, Brent Lea, Brentford TW8 8HX, Wed 23 May from 11am – 4pm
• The Hounslow I Grew Up In, Hounslow Civic Centre, Lampton Road, Hounslow TW3 4DN, Wed 23 May from2.30-3.30pm
• Dementia Friends Session, Heart of Hounslow, 92 Bath Rd, Hounslow TW3 3LN, Thurs 24 May from 1.30pm
• Age UK Hounslow, seaside day trip to Little Hampton, Thurs 24 May (fee payable, booking required in advance)
• Activities Day, Danehurst Centre, Brent Lea, Brentford TW8 8HX, Fri 25 May from 11am – 4pm

There will also be representatives from local professionals working with older people who can provide advice and identify support options. Those attending include staff from Hounslow Council’s adult services, the Alzheimer’s Society, and Linkline+.

More information of local support for those with or caring for someone with dementia are available at www.hounslow.gov.uk/dementia

May 18, 2018