Alz Soc leads way in creating dementia-friendly communities

Unforgettable’s founding charity partner, the Alzheimer’s Society, has been recognised at the 31st International Conference of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) in Budapest for its work with Dementia Friends

Today marks the start of the 31st International Dementia Conference organised by ADI and a report has recognised the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends programme as a global leader in tackling dementia.

In the report, entitled Dementia Friendly Communities: Key Principles and Global Developments, the Dementia Friends programme, an initiative which aims to change the way people think, act and talk about dementia, and tackle the stigma through information, education and awareness, was highlighted as having been particularly successful.

The Society also has a Dementia Friendly Communities programme, which sets out to create more communities and businesses that are dementia-friendly, so that people affected by the disease feel understood and included. So far, the Society has created 152 Dementia Friendly Communities in England and is providing support and guidance to 12 projects in Australia, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands and Turkey.

Most recently the Alzheimer’s Society have been working to set up their own Dementia Friends programme in Nigeria, by providing assistance with resources that need to be developed, marketing advice, operations guidance and other important aspects of the programme. They already have over 67,000 Dementia Friends!

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Society, said:

‘One of the biggest challenges in creating Dementia Friendly Communities is getting people to talk about dementia. Dementia Friends has proved to be a great springboard to galvanise and encourage global dementia action. Collaboration between countries is crucial to create a global change and a worldwide societal shift towards acceptance, inclusion and support for people living with dementia and their carers. This report is a key tool for organisations to continue to push forward, share vital resources and tackle stigma on an international scale.’

All members of the Unforgettable team are Dementia Friends – and it’s really easy for you to become one, too. Simply attend a face-to-face information session or watch the video on their website.

We look forward to hearing more exciting news from the ADI Conference.