Banstead High Street is trying to become ‘dementia-friendly’ thanks to the efforts of the Banstead Dementia Action Alliance which was formed just over a year ago.

Led by Sue Martin, Director of Community Relations at Sunrise of Banstead (who is also a Dementia Champion for the Alzheimer’s Society), the Alliance is encouraging every office, shop and premise in Banstead High Street to have at least one ‘Dementia Friend’, in an attempt to reduce the stigma surrounding the condition.

The Alliance has successfully arranged information sessions at a range of locations, from Waitrose supermarket to Banstead Fire Station. Staff across Banstead are becoming increasingly aware of the causes and symptoms of dementia, and the fact that those with the condition can still fully function and live active, fulfilling lives. 

As well as its efforts to educate organisations across the town, Sunrise of Banstead is also welcoming members of the local area into its community to learn more about dementia.  A Dementia Friends Information Session will be held on Friday 28th April at 2.15 pm and guests will be able to stay on and enjoy the Afternoon Social from 3pm down in the Bistro area.  The Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme helps people to understand more about dementia and then convert their understanding into an action.

This can be something quite small, such as telling five other people about the Dementia Friends programme, or something larger, such as getting involved with the Alzheimer’s Society’s drive to make communities more dementia-friendly through public campaigns and roadshows.

Sunrise communities across the UK pride themselves on the personalised care that they offer to residents, and the specialist dementia services that they provide.

Sue Martin, Director of Community Relations at Sunrise of Banstead, said:

“It is great to see that people and organisations across Banstead are becoming increasingly informed about dementia, and aware of the happy, active lives that individuals with the condition live.

“However, there is still a long way to go in making Banstead High Street fully ‘Dementia-Friendly’, and it is therefore vital that we continue our efforts to educate people through information sessions and campaigns.

“I would encourage everyone to take just a few minutes to ensure they properly understand dementia, and to spread the word to their friends about the hugely interesting people that those living with dementia continue to be.”

Article supplied by Sunrise Press Office