Alzheimer’s Society in Wales is encouraging residents to unite against dementia and become a Dementia Friend.
Dementia Friends was launched in February 2013 by Alzheimer’s Society. It is a trailblazing initiative that aims to help people understand what it might be like to live with dementia and turn that understanding into action. Already more than 1.9 million people have become Dementia Friends across the UK. This includes staff at the Welsh Sports Association who became Dementia Friends through a training session with our very own Dementia Champion, WSA’s Business Development Manager, Vicki Sutton.
The Welsh Sports Association are running additional Dementia Friends Sessions for all our member bodies on Wednesday 31st May and Tuesday 13th June (5 sessions per day). These sessions will take place at Sport Wales’ National Centre in Cardiff.
To sign up to attend the free sessions, please click here.
Dementia Champion Vicki Sutton said:
“Dementia is something affecting a tremendous amount of people involved in sport right now. We need to act fast to ensure they are supported and cared for correctly.
Dementia can affect a person’s relationships and their connection to the world they love, leaving them feeling isolated and alone. By becoming a Dementia Friend you can help keep people connected to their lives and people who matter most.
This year, Alzheimer’s Society is asking people to come together to unite against dementia, forgetting their differences to help urgently find a cure, improve care, and offer help and understanding during Dementia Awareness Week.”
Chella Borde, Dementia Friends Officer for Alzheimer’s Society in Wales said:
“Dementia doesn’t care who you are; it could affect us all. It’s set to be the 21st century’s biggest killer, with someone developing it every three minutes, and so many people are facing it alone.
People with dementia often feel – and are – misunderstood, marginalised and isolated but with the right support and understanding they can continue to live fulfilling lives and make a contribution to their communities. So, unite with us and the Welsh Sports Association now and join us at a friends session.”
