We reached our milestone in support of Dementia Friends
When we launched our Dementia Friends campaign across the organisation, we set a milestone of recruiting a minimum of 1,000 Dementia Friends before the end of 2016 and in turn work towards becoming a Dementia Friendly Organisation.
During Alzheimer’s Month in September 2016 this target was reached, seeing Helen McMahon, Technical Trainer based at its St Michael’s Hospital in Warwick, being recognised as the 1,000th Dementia Friend.
The Information Session Helen attended was organised and run by one of our own staff, Val Marshall, a Learning and Development Facilitator, and Dementia Friend Champion.
Helen said: “I was aware of the campaign to support the Dementia Friends initiative, and took the opportunity. The session really opened my eyes to the challenges facing people with dementia, as well as their carers.
“I learned more about dementia and how my actions can help to create dementia friendly communities. It helped me to understand how I can make a small contribution, which can have a huge impact on someone’s day. I would recommend everyone, young and old, to become a Dementia Friend.”
Since receiving their Information Sessions, staff have turned their understanding into action with many of them taking the campaign to their colleagues, family, friends and wider communities. A number have gone on to train as Dementia Friend Champions, resulting in many hundreds more being given the Dementia Friends Information Sessions.
However, we don’t intend to stop there as the campaign continues to grow.
Dementia Friends is about learning more about dementia and the small ways everyone can help, turning that understanding into action. Dementia can make life difficult, so it’s important to know how to be helpful and respectful, to help make that person’s day that little bit easier.
Keeley Waldron, Regional Support Officer – Dementia Friends, Alzheimer's Society, commented on our achievement.
Keeley said: “We are grateful to Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust for their dedication in creating Dementia Friends. The Alzheimer’s Society initiative is the biggest ever social action movement to change perceptions of dementia and a target has been set to achieve four million Dementia Friends by 2020.
“With over 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, we all have our part to play in making our communities more dementia friendly. This Trust join over 1.7 million Dementia Friends across England and Wales who are helping reduce stigma and promote inclusion for those with the condition.”
Tracey Wrench, Director of Nursing and Quality for the Trust, on accepting the award said: “Dementia is an indiscriminate condition; far too many people unfortunately have to deal with it, but with the right care and support people can and do live well with their dementia.
“I’m pleased to see the recognition our staff have received today. The Board and organisation as a whole support this important campaign.”
“We have clinical leadership, front line and support staff that are respectful, compassionate in their approach, and passionate about the services, providing safe, timely care in the most appropriate settings.”
“As a provider of dementia services across Coventry and Warwickshire, we want to clearly demonstrate our commitment to our patients, their carers, and the communities as a whole, as we move along with our partners to improve access and on-going support.”