Previously known as Dementia Awareness Week, in 2018 it was changed to Dementia Action Week in order to recognise the fact that, while raising awareness of issues surrounding dementia is important, more action is vital in order to create the changes in communities that people with dementia and their carers want and need; this year Dementia Action Week will take place between the 20th - 26th May. The goal of Dementia Action Week is to encourage people to take action to improve the lives of those affected by dementia, working to create a dementia-friendly UK where those with dementia do not feel excluded. There are 850,000 people in the UK who are affected by dementia, and it does not just affect the elderly; 40,000 people in the UK under the age of 65 have early onset dementia. It is believed that by 2051 the number of people who have dementia in the UK will have risen to 2 million. During Dementia Action Week, everyone will be encouraged to undertake actions, whether large or small, to help make everyday life better for those with dementia. Across the UK a range of fundraising events from sports challenges to bake-offs and quizzes will also be taking place Locally, the Brecon Area Dementia Friendly Community will be holding a multi-agency information and advice day at the Guildhall on Wednesday 22nd May from 10am to 3.30pm. A range of agencies will be attending, including:Emergency Services, Credu, Age Cymru Powys, PAVO, Alzheimer’s Society, Brecon Surgery. Children from local schools who are involved in inter-agency projects with local care homes and Arosfa Day Centre will also be there showcasing some of their work with people living with dementia, and there will be an opportunity for visitors to share some activities with the children. Refreshments will be available throughout the day. During the week, local Dementia Friends Champions will be delivering Dementia Awareness sessions in Brecon Surgery and in Mount Street Juniors and Talgarth Primary Schools.
The group is also holding a fundraising bag packing session on Saturday 25th May at Morrison’s store. All money raised is used to support projects involving those living with dementia and their carers. More stories