Member Article

Doncaster volunteer aims to increase dementia awareness

A campaign to tackle the stigma and lack of understanding around dementia has got the support of a Doncaster volunteer.

Sarah Hartley, Solicitor & Director at Malcolm C Foy & Co Solicitors, is running a free ‘Dementia Friends’ Information Session on 30th September 2015 and is looking for local people to come along.

Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the nation thinks, talks and acts about the condition.

Dementia Friends is about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help. From telling friends about the Dementia Friends programme to visiting someone you know living with dementia, every action counts.

The one-hour Session will take place at Malcolm C Foy & Co, 51 Hallgate, Doncaster DN1 3PB at 10am

There are currently 850,000 people living with the condition in England.

Having volunteered to be a Dementia Friends Champion, Miss Hartley is now delivering Dementia Friends Sessions to people across Doncaster. She said:

’I signed up to be a Dementia Friends Champion because I work with people with dementia on a daily basis as part of my role as a solicitor, and I wanted to get a better understanding of the disease and how it affected my clients and their loved ones. It’s easy to get involved. I attended a training course, receive ongoing support and I’m now proud to be part of a growing network of people creating dementia friendly communities together’

Rebecca Hill, Dementia Friends Regional Support Officer at Alzheimer’s Society said:

’Dementia touches the lives of millions of people across the country. Dementia Friends was launched to tackle the stigma and lack of understanding that means many people with the condition experience loneliness and social exclusion. It’s all about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help. From getting in touch with someone you know living with dementia to wearing your badge with pride, every action counts.’

Anyone wanting to attend the Dementia Friends Session should contact Malcolm C Foy & Co on 01302 340005. People can also get involved in Dementia Friends through an online video. Go to dementiafriends.org.uk to find out more.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Hartley .