Swindon Dementia Action Alliance (SDAA) hosted a week of activities from 16-22 May for Dementia Awareness Week which aimed to spread enjoyment and awareness.
The activities are said to have helped further the Alliance’s mission - to make Swindon a Dementia Friendly Community.
The events provided a safe space for people living with dementia and their loved ones, allowing them to meet likeminded people and access the support and resources that they need.
On Monday 16 May, an expo style event was held at the Swindon central library. A number of organisations took part, including:
- Zurich Community Trust
- Home Instead Swindon
- Swindon Carers Centre
- Swindon Borough Council
- Dementia UK (Admiral Nurses, Swindon)
- Ridgeway Rise Care Home
- Porthaven Care Homes
- Wyvern Theatre
- Alzheimer's Society (Swindon)
- Wiltshire Police
- Swindon Central Library
- Thames Water
The public were invited to find out more about the many organisations in Swindon who can support local people living with a dementia diagnosis, as well as being invited to attend a ‘dementia friends’ session.
The session informed attendees of ways to make everyday encounters more comfortable and helpful for those living with dementia.
On Thursday 19 May, the Alliance hosted an Afternoon Tea and dance event. They were delighted to have over 100 people attend the event which was hosted at the Swindon MECA. Guests were treated to sandwiches, tea, and cake whilst being entertained with live music from Misha Dawn.
Toby Kirk, Chair of the SDAA and Business Development Manager at Home Instead Swindon & Vale of White Horse said: “It’s been a fantastic week of events and activities and all of us at the SDAA are extremely proud of what we’ve been able to provide to the Swindon community this Dementia Action Week.
"As a collective we don’t just want to encourage more conversation surrounding dementia, but also provide easy access to the businesses and organisations here to support our community as they age. Being able to get people ‘in the room’ with these organisations is the first of many steps in our ongoing targets.
“It was amazing seeing everyone up dancing at the afternoon tea and dance as well, social events like these are phenomenally important in maintaining good wellbeing and beyond. We are certainly not done with events like this so look out for more!
“Finally I just want to say a big thank you to all of the SDAA members for rallying together to put these events on, local MP Robert Buckland and the Mayor of Swindon for attending and supporting, and Swindon MECA for providing the venue for our afternoon tea, and the Swindon Central Library for providing the venue for the expo!”
More information about the Swindon Dementia Action Alliance and the events and sessions they run in the local community can be found online at https://www.dementiaaction.org.uk/local_alliances/10211_swindon_dementia_action_alliance.
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