Dementia Action Alliance Launches in Reading

Dementia Action Alliance Launches in Reading

11/02/2014
Reading Borough Council Press Release

READING Borough Council and partners from the statutory, business and voluntary sectors are working together to transform the quality of life of people with dementia.

The Reading Dementia Action Alliance in being launched at a special event at the Town Hall on 27th February, 11.00am – 1.00pm.

The event, which is being opened by the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Marion Livingston, will outline calls to action designed to support people with dementia and their families. Reading Borough Council will commit to training all frontline staff – including refuse collectors, call centre staff and social workers – to have a better understanding of dementia issues and to support those affected by the condition.

Reading’s Lead Member for Adult Social Care, Cllr Rachel Eden said:

“There are 800,000 people with dementia in the UK and this number is set to grow to over one million people by 2025.

“Dementia raises issues that need to be tackled by the whole of society, and all of us can play a part in helping people with dementia to lead safe, supported and meaningful lives.

“The Dementia Action Alliance is working to make Reading a ‘Dementia friendly’ town, and the Council is committed to supporting people with dementia to live fulfilling lives as part of the community.

“I look forward to hearing the calls to action at the Dementia Action Alliance launch and to see them implemented by the Alliance partners.”

Moira Hemson, Dementia Action Alliance Coordinator for Alzheimer’s Society said:

‘It’s vital that people living with dementia should still be able to enjoy all Reading has to offer. Many people with dementia have reported feeling trapped in their own homes and let down by their communities, with one in three only getting out once a week and one in 10 only manage this once a month.This is simply unacceptable.

“The Reading Dementia Action Alliance aims to address the isolation that many people living with dementia can feel and we are delighted to see so many of Reading’s greatest attractions and services committing to helping people in the community live well with dementia.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

You are invited to send a reporter/photographer to the Dementia Action Alliance Launch at Reading Town Hall on Thursday 27th February at 10.45am.

Media Contact: Anna Fowler
Tel: 0118 937 3957