Working Together to Build a Dementia Friendly Reading

This is a council press release that speaks for itself. Dementia is a scary thing and in discussing the idea below of a dementia friendly town I've seen how uncomfortable some people are with even thinking about it. Of course we all know it's far better to face up to this and help people and their loved ones both directly but also through little changes that can make things much easier for people. I'm sure that the community will come up with some really innovative ideas about how we can make Reading an even better place to live for people at what is inevitably a confusing and difficult time of their lives.

Reading Borough Council Press Release

BUSINESSES and community groups across Reading are joining forces to support people with dementia.

In Reading it is estimated that 1,412 people have dementia. This is expected to rise by almost 23% by 2025.

Reading Borough Council is working with the Alzheimer’s Society to promote a Dementia Friendly Reading and to establish a Reading Dementia Action Alliance.

Local businesses, community groups, faith groups, schools and colleges, residential homes, charities as well as health and social care providers are all being asked to sign up.

Members decide what they can each do to help and deliver this as part of their commitment to the Alliance. Actions could include: a ‘no hurry’ supermarket checkout lane, raising dementia awareness in customer-facing staff, or improving lighting and the use of colour contrast in buildings.

Reading Buses is one of the local businesses that has agreed to take part.

James Freeman, Chief Executive Officer of Reading Buses said:

“We are delighted to get involved with this worthwhile work. As a customer-focussed business we pride ourselves on going that extra mile so developing our team’s awareness of the needs of people with dementia is right at the top of our list.”

Rachel Eden, Reading Lead Councillor for Adult Social Care, added:

“By becoming more informed and making small changes, organisations can support people living with dementia and help them with everyday tasks. With an ageing population, it is more important than ever for the Council and community to pull together and look out for people with dementia.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

For further information and advice contact:

Moira Hemson
Dementia Action Alliance Co-ordinator
Alzheimer’s Society
Tel: 07803 115542
Email: moira.hemson@alzheimers.org.uk

Reading Borough Council Press Releases can be found online at http://www.reading.gov.uk/news/pressreleases/

Media Contact: Anna Fowler
Tel: 0118 937 3957

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Rachel Eden,
Labour Councillor for Whitley ward,
Lead Councillor forAdult Social Care, Reading Borough Council

Councillor: http://www.whitleynews.org/
Personal: http://racheleden.blogspot.com/