Member Article

intu shows its support for Dementia Action Week

Two of the north east’s biggest shopping centres are showing their support for Dementia Action Week with a host of activities to raise awareness of dementia.

Dementia Action Week takes place from 21 to 27 May and, as part of a nationwide iniative in all intu centres, both intu Eldon Square and intu Metrocentre will be encouraging shoppers to learn more about dementia through a range of activities including live performances from local choirs, knit and natter sessions, interactive games and a special memory tree where people can share stories and memories of their friends and loved ones.

This annual campaign is run by Alzheimer’s Society and aims not only to raise awareness but also to offer support to people affected by dementia, and create the change in communities that people with dementia want to see.

On Tuesday 22 and Friday 25 May visitors to intu Eldon Square will be able to visit the Alzheimer’s Society stand where they can access more information on dementia and the support that is available for people affected by the condition.

intu Eldon Square shoppers will be treated to live performances from people who attend ‘Singing for the Brain’ sessions in Newcastle and Gateshead - a service provided by Alzheimer’s Society which uses singing to bring people with dementia together in a friendly and stimulating social environment. There will also be performances from St Mary’s Cathedral Choir, who are supporting Dementia Action Week as several members of the choir are living with dementia.

The shopping centre’s customer service team has Dementia Friends trained champions who provide support to the rest of the team encouraging them to make a positive difference to people living with dementia and helping to create a climate of kindness and understanding.

intu Eldon Square will also be raising funds for the charity by selling Dementia Action Week pins from the customer service desks throughout the week.

At intu Metrocentre, Alzheimer’s Society will be raising awareness and demonstrating how games such as table tennis can help stimulate and exercise the brain.

Shoppers will be able to share their favourite memories of a friend or loved one on a special memory tree and even take part in a special Knit and Natter session with Age UK.

On Friday 25 May intu Metrocentre’s charity of the year, Dementia Care, will be in centre to share their knowledge, answer any questions visitors have about dementia and offer advice on practical care support.

Gavin Prior, regional centre director of intu Eldon Square and intu Metrocentre, said:

“Dementia Action Week is an incredibly important campaign for Alzheimer’s Society – one which we’re very proud to support. intu is a people business, guided by our culture and values, and as part of that we are passionate about the issues at the heart of our local community.

“We hope that our activities during Dementia Action Week will increase awareness and understanding of the condition and encourage visitors to make small changes that that will make life better for people affected by dementia - from taking the time to reach out to someone with dementia for a coffee and a chat or becoming a Dementia Friend.”

Danielle Cooper, Alzheimer’s Society Operations Manager, North and South of Tyne, added:

“We’re thrilled to see intu Eldon Square and intu Metrocentre embracing Dementia Action Week. Both centres enjoy considerable footfall, and that will really help us in our efforts to reach out to as many people as possible affected by dementia.

“This year we have changed the emphasis of the week from awareness to action. Our focus is on creating community change and we want to use the week to show people the actions they can take that will make everyday life better for people living with dementia.”

Dementia Action Week Activities:

intu Eldon Square, St Andrew’s Way, near Debenhams:

Dementia Action Week pins will be available to buy from customer service desks throughout the week to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society

Tuesday 22 May: ‘Singing for the Brain’ performances Alzheimer’s Society will have a stand in centre

Friday 25 May: Alzheimer’s Society will have a stand in centre

intu Metrocentre, Town Square, near House of Fraser:

A Memory Tree will be in Town Square all week where visitors can share their favourite memories.

Monday 21 May: Alzheimer’s Society will have a stand in centre and demonstrate Games for the Brain

Wednesday 23 May: Age UK Knit and Natter session from 10 am – 5 pm

Friday 25 May: Dementia Care will have a stand in the centre

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Suhaine Baptie .