Dementia Meeting
Becoming a dementia friendly borough
A new initiative which aims to make Havant communities more dementia friendly is being launched at a special event this week.
Dementia Friendly Havant is hosting its first event at The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant, from 10am on Wednesday (13 February).
The initiative aims to help the Havant, Leigh Park and Bedhampton communities become dementia friendly – ensuring people with the condition feel understood, valued and able to contribute to their community.
The launch event is chance for local people, community groups, businesses and charities to discuss dementia, the challenges faced by people with this condition, and how to better help the dementia community. It is being supported by Havant Borough Council, councillors, Dementia Friendly Hampshire, The Rotary Club and Right at Home. The Mayor of Havant, Councillor Peter Wade, will also be attending.
Throughout the day, The Spring will be hosting a series of dementia-related shows including a Dementia Sensory Experience and ‘In Other Words’. There will also be an opportunity to become a Dementia Friend – learning all the skills needed to help people with the condition – and get advice from local groups such as Dementia Friendly Hayling and Havant Men's Shed. For more information about the day, please visit The Spring's website.
Councillor Leah Turner, Cabinet Lead for Communities, Development and Housing, said: “Havant Borough Council is aware of how dementia effects the lives of many of its residents, we are happy to support local action groups and to help increase awareness of this condition.”
Councillor Jackie Branson, ward councillor for St Faith’s, said: “We are conscious of the growing problem of dementia and we want businesses, organisations and their staff to be aware of how to ensure sufferers are dealt with sympathetically. We also want to make people aware of what is offer in the Havant area for those with dementia and their carers.”
Dementia is a disease of the brain which can impact memory, everyday tasks, communication and perception. There are more than 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK of which there are 18,000 in Hampshire. Approximately 2,000 of those reside in Havant borough and this figure is set to rise.
To find out about Dementia Friendly Havant, please visit the Havant Borough Council website.
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