Dementia pals make friends

The awareness week locally encouraged members of the public to sign up to become official Dementia Friends, volunteers who work in hospitals, clinics and in the wider community.

During the week the Trust, in partnership with The Alzheimer’s Society, Guideposts Trust and My Life Software held market stalls at Warwick Hospital where patients, relatives and staff could learn more about dementia and how to provide support for patients and carers.

Organisers used the week as an opportunity to get as many people as possible to sign up to the Dementia Friend initiative.

Madeleine Curran, Matron at SWFT and dementia lead said: “It is great to see so many people supporting Dementia Awareness Week and signing up to become a Dementia Friend.

“I am delighted that SWFT has shown its commitment to becoming a dementia friendly organisation.

“Dementia affects so many lives and it is really important that everyone has a better understanding of the condition and feels comfortable talking about it.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Radio Warneford and Kissing it Better for showing their support to the campaign.”

Danny Roberts, Chief Technology Officer said: “I’m now a Dementia Friend after watching the fascinating online video at www.dementiafriends.org.uk because it’s given me a real insight into the disease and further understanding into dementia.”

The national campaign also focussed on ‘Singing for the Brain’, a music therapy which has been shown to help with dementia care,

During the week SWFT also worked with pupils of Kings High School, through the Kissing it Better programme holding ‘flash mobs’ on wards at Warwick Hospital.