Princesshay and Exeter BID sign up to Exeter Dementia Action Alliance

Princesshay and Exeter BID are pleased to announce their support and commitment to the Exeter Dementia Action Alliance, a local organisation established in 2015.

The main aim of the alliance is to reduce the stigma and misconceptions of dementia by raising awareness in the Exeter community and for local businesses to consider their service provision for people living with dementia.

Twenty members of the team from Princesshay and Exeter BID including Store Managers, the security and cleaning team, Centre Management and BID Ambassadors attended two Dementia Friends sessions held by Gina Awad who leads the Exeter Dementia Action Alliance on Thursday 29th January.

The workshop looked to not only dispel the myths of Dementia but also provided practical information for attendees to support a person they might meet in their respective job roles living with Dementia.

Wayne Pearce, Princesshay Centre Director comments: “We were very grateful for Gina’s time and obtained a lot from the sessions. Our team interacts with members of the public every day and we’re keen to take steps as part of the Dementia Action Alliance action plan to be as Dementia friendly as possible.”

Grant Nichol, Store Manager of Tiger Stores in Princesshay said, “I learnt a lot and will relay this back to the team. Practically we’d like to support and will be making a donation of our products to local groups through the Exeter Dementia Action Alliance including craft and creative activities that might appeal to some people living with Dementia.”

As part of their Action Plan for supporting the Exeter Dementia Action Alliance, Princesshay will host an awareness raising event during National Dementia Week in the centre of the city.

Mark Barretto, Exeter BID Coordinator said, “I’ve had personal experience of dealing with a family member living with Dementia and understand how hard it can be and how more awareness and support from the community can make a huge difference to individuals. Exeter BID are pleased to support this campaign and our BID Ambassadors all attended the session.”

Gina Awad, Lead Volunteer for Exeter Dementia Action Alliance said, “I’m so passionate about raising awareness of dementia, the biggest health and social care challenge of the century and have now delivered 65 sessions from businesses and organisations to schools and GP practices. Educating and raising awareness of dementia will make a huge impact to those living with the disease and their families and ultimately our ambition is to make Exeter a Dementia Friendly city. I’m thrilled both Princesshay and Exeter BID have committed to an action plan and joining us.”

Any businesses or organisations based in Exeter who would like to know more about joining the alliance and holding a dementia session for their employees should visit http://exeterdementia.org.uk/