What is the Aylesbury Town Dementia Action Alliance?

According to the Alzheimers Society, it is estimated that by 2025, there will be more than 1 million people living with Dementia in the UK.
Whilst, we cannot change this concerning statistic, Aylesbury Town Council is taking steps to support people whose lives are affected by Dementia in our community.

In May 2016, our Dementia Champion, Benedicta Lasoye began delivering a series of Dementia Friends information sessions to various businesses, schools and community groups which explains the 5 key messages surrounding Dementia;

  1. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing
  2. Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain
  3. Dementia is not just about losing your memory – it can affect thinking, communicating and doing everyday tasks
  4. It is possible to live well with Dementia
  5. There is more to the person than their Dementia

To date, Aylesbury Town Council has created over 290 Dementia Friends and there are plans to continue creating more Dementia Friends within the town.

In order to create a bigger impact, the Town Council is driving a new initiative – The Aylesbury Town Dementia Action Alliance.

The Alliance has been formed to help local businesses, charities, community groups and organisations take an active role in supporting Dementia Awareness. This will ultimately allow the town to receive Dementia Friendly accreditation through positive actions within our community.

Members of the Aylesbury Town Alliance can sign up to the National Dementia Declaration, and pledge to take a social action which, in turn, will support residents in our town.

The National Dementia Declaration focuses on 7 outcomes that people living with Dementia and their carers would like to see. They have been defined as the following;

  1. I have personal choice and control or influence over decisions about me.
  2. I know that services are designed around me and my needs.
  3. I have support that helps me live my life.
  4. I have the knowledge and know-how to get what I need.
  5. I live in an enabling and supportive environment where I feel valued and understood.
  6. I have a sense of belonging and of being a valued part of family, community and civic life.
  7. I know there is research going on which delivers a better life for me now and hope for the future.

As well as being the Town Council Dementia Champion, Benedicta is also the Lead Co-ordinator for the Aylesbury Town Dementia Action Alliance.

As the members increase, periodic meetings will be held where The Alliance will be looking to exchange ideas and share best practice which will allow us to support our community in a Dementia-Friendly environment.

No action is too small, some successful examples have been;

  • Encouraging staff to become Dementia Friends (all sessions are free with trained Dementia Champions)
  • Review telephone messages – keep them short and clear
  • Arrange relaxed performances for shows
  • Adapt someone’s role in the workplace to take account of their condition whilst valuing their expertise

If you’re a local business, organisation, charity or service user you can sign up to the Aylesbury Town Dementia Action Alliance here or phone Aylesbury Town Council on 01296 425 678 to speak with our Dementia Champion.