Blaenau Gwent Council are supporting Alzheimer’s Society through Dementia Awareness Week, 14-20 May, to unite against dementia. Dementia is set to be the 21st century's leading cause of death. But awareness and understanding remains low and many families are facing it alone. That’s why, during the Week, we want to support the Alzheimer’s Society to take action. By uniting, we can raise awareness, offer help and understanding to improve care.
We live in an ageing population and this will present new opportunities and challenges. There were 24 people who lived to 100 years of age in 1917 and this rose to 4600 in 2003 but the predicted number of centenarians will increase to 40,000 people by 2031. Dementia is a major concern with 1 in 14 people over 65 years of age reported to be living with dementia; however it will also have a great impact on family members who take on a caring role for loved ones. All members of society will be touched at some point - if it is not immediate family, it will be extended family or friends.
What we are doing
Blaenau Gwent Council has recently been awarded a Dementia Friendly Community logo from Alzheimer’s Society. The award recognises the steps the Council are taking to raise awareness of dementia amongst staff and the council’s action plans going forward including the work of the Public Service Board.
As part of the award, staff are becoming Dementia Friends which is a 45 minute awareness session which highlights the 5 key messages everyone should know about dementia and what life is like for a person living with dementia. Blaenau Gwent Council are joining other partners such as Gwent Police, Housing Associations, local businesses and voluntary sector partners to increase the number of dementia friends, with over 12,000 people taking part across the region over the last 2 years.
To help increase the number of staff in the council taking part, a series of short films designed by the Alzheimer’s Society has been added to the council’s internal website, so that all staff, regardless of their role will receive some awareness. Also, new members of staff will be required to watch the films as part of their induction going forward.
Public Services will need to be more sustainable in the future and Blaenau Gwent Council are supporting Dementia Friendly Communities by raising awareness of awareness of dementia amongst staff and also contributing to key principles the Social Services and Wellbeing Act and Well-being of Future Generations. This is an example of the ‘Act in Action’ and will also support Welsh Government’s new national Dementia Strategy and Actions Plan.
For more information please contact Phil Diamond phil.diamond@torfaen.gov.uk