Series of events planned to mark Dementia Action week 2018
Dementia Action week is fast approaching and begins on Monday 21st May.
Awareness is not enough and this year sees Dementia Awareness week change to Dementia Action week 2018.
The Exeter Dementia Action Alliance (EDAA) will be involved in a number of activities in the city including being invited to present at two events; a seminar with Gilbert Stephens Solicitors on Thursday 24 May and a breakfast meeting for the Business Improvement District, In Exeter on Friday 25 May.
“Gilbert Stephens LLP is very happy to support the work of the Alliance whose work is increasingly important as the number of people living with dementia increases. We are particularly pleased to have an opportunity to to bring our expertise, as solicitors, both in planning for and dealing with some of the consequences of these conditions to a wider audience” said Richard Walford, Partner.
Mark Barretto, BID, In Exeter Coordinator says “we have been closely aligned with the Exeter Dementia Action Alliance since their inception and this event will enable them to share their work more widely within the city. We are keen as a member of the alliance to promote and share their invaluable work and hope as a result more local businesses will be keen to consider their service provision for people living with dementia and their families, and join the alliance”.
Barclays Bank, High Street branch have taken an active role in the community for the past two years during Dementia Action Week and this year will see them supporting EDAA with a number of activities organised. Gina Awad, EDAA Lead has been in to the branch several times to deliver Dementia Friends sessions now and Barclays are looking forward to promoting work of the alliance between Tuesday 22nd & Thursday 24th May.
St Thomas Health Centre will have a non-uniform day acknowledging Dementia Action week on Friday 25 May and the week will finish by seeing the Women Can Marathon take place for the second year running.
EDAA have been selected as one of 4 causes for the marathon. The 2018 Women Can event takes place on Sunday May 27th. It’s open to runners and Nordic walkers, who can take on the full 26.2-mile distance as an individual or enter as part of a relay team of two, three or four.
Jo Earlam, who came up with the idea of the Women Can Marathon, has selected two organisations working in the field of dementia as her chosen causes.
Gina said: “We are moved to have been selected as part of what we know will be an inspirational event now in its second year. Jo has been an avid supporter of the alliance since our launch. She is a great believer and advocate of our mission and this support means such a lot.”
Jo said: “I lost my dad and several other family and friends to dementia. It’s an awful disease that is becoming more prevalent. I’m sure many of our runners will have a family member or know someone who has been affected.
“Another link is that exercise has been shown to help stave off dementia, and running a marathon is an excellent way to keep active. My chosen charities are working in research and in community awareness, both really important for changing the lives of people with dementia.”
Finally, Gina says “our work would not flourish without the local businesses and organisations in Exeter including the City Council who are inspired to take action. We would like to thank every one of our members and supporters for their desire to make a difference in the community. We are a passionate group and committed to making life better for people living with dementia and their families so they can live as well as they can”.
EDAA will be at John Lewis on Monday 21 May between 11am and 2pm do pop along, say hello and learn more about their work in the city.
The Exeter Dementia Action Alliance will see their second annual event take place on Thursday June 21 at the Stephens Scown offices.
to learn more about EDAA visit : http://exeterdementia.org.uk/
