Launch of Dementia Action Alliances in York and Bradford
This week York and Bradford launch their local Dementia Action Alliances. Getting to this stage reflects a lot of hard work, action research and commitment on behalf of many players over the past couple of years, says Philly Hare.
Partners from each of the two cities, including businesses, the councils, community groups, individuals and services will be gathering to share their progress and inspire each other to continued action and awareness raising.
The new alliance structures should help us reach the next level by aiding communication and progress, both between local players and with other Dementia Action Alliances across the country. Both Bradford and York are early adopters of a national pilot recognition scheme for dementia-friendly communities, led by the Alzheimer’s Society. Organisations and businesses that sign up to its values and publish their action plan will be able to display the recognised dementia-friendly logo (a forget-me-not) in their shop or service. In the meantime, my working definition is that a dementia-friendly community is one in which every person with dementia – and their family – feels included, welcomed, supported, listened to and understood.
Why do our cities need to become dementia-friendly? We all know about the rapid increase in the numbers of us affected (directly and indirectly) by this condition – and that most are living and will continue to live in their community. As our ‘baby boomers’ move into later life, expectations for a better life in old age are growing, and people quite rightly expect support to continue living the lives they have built for themselves. We have a growing evidence base on the lived experience of real people – we know that, though health and care services are very important, life is not just about services, it’s about the whole community, our relationships and our attitudes. Sadly we know too that many people with dementia are still very excluded and isolated – the stigma is still there, and many retreat from society because of their fear, or actual experience, of being treated differently.
Finally, the number of big and small businesses getting involved in dementia friendly communities (Aviva, Lloyds Bank, Tesco, First Group, E.ON to name but a few) suggests that it is not only the moral argument, but also the business case, that is now being recognised – the ‘Grey Pound’ is becoming stronger, and a cafe, shop or bank that goes the extra mile to make people with dementia feel welcome will enhance its reputation and broaden its customer base.
Bringing people who live with dementia back into our communities so that they feel part of them – and remain able to contribute too – is something we all have the power to do.
