Lesley Griffiths AM, Jacky Baldini, North Wales Operations Manager for the Alzheimer’s Society, Ian Lucas MP and Susan Elan Jones MP
Three politicians have taken a key step towards helping end the stigma surrounding dementia by becoming Dementia Friend.
Ian Lucas MP, Lesley Griffiths AM and Susan Elan Jones MP joined with members of staff from each of their offices for a Dementia Friends session in Wrexham.
Dementia Friends is an Alzheimer’s Society initiative that aims to give people an improved awareness of the condition. The sessions aim to improve public knowledge of dementia, by helping people understand what living with the condition might be like, and the small things that they could do to make a difference to people living in their community.
Susan, Ian and Lesley took part in a number of exercises aimed at helping participants understand the affect of dementia on people’s everyday lives.
Lesley Griffiths AM said:
“I’ve signed up to show my support for Dementia Friends, and am encouraging people across the country to do the same too.”
Susan Elan Jones added:
“With a growing number of people living with dementia, it’s more important than ever we all have a better understanding of the condition.”
And Ian Lucas MP said:
“Dementia Friends is about giving people an understanding of dementia and the small things they can do that can make a difference to people living with dementia.
“From helping someone find the right bus to spreading the word about dementia, it can help make our local community a better place to live.”
Sue Phelps, Director of Alzheimer’s Society in Wales said:
‘Most people don’t know enough about dementia. Dementia Friends is the perfect opportunity to be able to invite everyone to improve their knowledge. We are delighted that Ian, Susan and Lesley have taken this important step towards supporting people in Clwyd South and Wrexham with dementia and we hope that others will follow their lead.”
If you are interested in becoming a Dementia Friend or helping create more communities that are dementia-supportive, go to dementiafriends.org.uk to find your nearest information session or to volunteer as a Dementia Friends Champion.
