EDAA hosts dementia awareness event

Exeter Dementia Action Alliance (EDAA) held a Dementia awareness event at Muddifords Court last week for carers, local businesses and national organisations.

Some of the companies who were represented included: Barclays Bank, RD&E, Age UK, Healthwatch Devon, a number of GP's, Exeter University, Devon Drivers Centre, Devon & Cornwall Police, Handelsbanken UK, Cartridges solicitors, a number of local Councillors including the Deputy Mayor of Exeter Councillor, Lesley Robson and many prominent business leaders and organisations who have an active interest in increasing Dementia awareness in our community.

Gina Awad, Project Lead, explains, "We are aware that dementia is the most challenging health and social care issue of this century and requires a community response." She went on to explain, "we have a solid committed Steering Group who are determined to make a difference so people living with dementia and their Carers feel included in the community. This can be done by making small changes in the work place whether it's holding a dementia friends session, reflecting on the customer facing awareness guide or considering as an employer how you may adapt to incorporate more of an understanding of dementia and how you may respond to employees who may be caring for a family member with dementia.

"As an alliance we have a shared goal for Exeter to become a dementia friendly city in the future and will be approaching the business community to support this collaborative response." Gina highlights "What's really great is the idea of coming together as a city to make a difference. We are all equal and deserve to feel included and safe wherever we go."

To join the Exeter Dementia Action Alliance or for more information please email Gina at - ginasfreespirit@yahoo.co.uk