Local residents at Age UK Barnet
Barnet has been recognised as a community that is committed to becoming ‘dementia-friendly’ by the Alzheimer’s Society, which will help over 5,000 residents living with dementia in the borough.
A ‘Dementia Friendly Community’ is a place that creates an environment where people living with dementia will be confident that they can contribute to community life.
Barnet had the sixth highest recorded prevalence of dementia of all the London boroughs and with an ageing population the council expects over 7,000 people to be living with it by 2040.
Cllr Alison Moore, Chair of Barnet Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “We’re determined to make Barnet a great place to live for people with dementia, which is why we’ve set up the Dementia Friendly Barnet Partnership to work with local organisations that are committed to taking action.
“This means working with residents, our voluntary and community sector, local businesses, and the NHS to improve support across the borough.
“We want to be a borough that not only serves and supports residents with dementia, but also their families, carers and neighbours who put so much into their care and comfort.
Dr Tamara Djuretic, Joint Director of Public Health and Prevention at Barnet Council, said:
“We have been consulting with people affected by dementia, to develop a clear programme of action that will help people living with it to safely live the lives they want to, for as long as possible in Barnet.
“This programme recognises that becoming a dementia-friendly community is a huge task, which will take a number of years.
“But it is a shared responsibility across our communities to help people living with dementia to live well and safely in Barnet.”
The partnership is initially prioritising arts and culture venues and leisure centres, faith communities and local high street businesses giving the information and training they need to becoming dementia-friendly.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends programme – Barnet currently has over 10,000 Dementia Friends in the borough. A Dementia Friend is somebody that learns about dementia so they can help their community. It is quick and easy to sign up: https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/register-digital-friend
- Understanding Dementia training - Barnet Public Health provides a free one-hour ‘Dementia Foundation’ CPD certified course designed to give participants a core understanding of dementia and its impact. Ideal for organisations and businesses who need to create or improve their current policies around ensuring the best customer and staff experience in situations involving those living with dementia: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/understanding-dementia-1294259
- The Dementia Friendly Barnet Partnership – for more information and to join the partnership, contact Seher.Kayikci@barnet.gov.uk. The partnership welcomes anyone who wants to make a difference, no need to be a member of an organisation.
- RAF Museum and Copthall Leisure centre have recently received recognition from Alzheimer’s Society for their commitment towards being Dementia Friendly.
- Barnet Council’s Healthier High Streets scheme encourages local businesses to support their customers and communities by applying for Dementia Friendly status: www.barnet.gov.uk/barnetstreets