Fiona hosted a Dementia Friends session at her offices in Congleton recently.
Congleton Partnership Trust is currently promoting Congleton as a Dementia friendly town.
Dementia Friends aims to give people a better understanding of Dementia and the small things we can all do to make a difference in the lives of people affected. It is led by the Alzheimer's Society and is one strand of its work to create Dementia friendly communities. By attending a Dementia Friends information session you will have the opportunity to join this national social action movement to change the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about Dementia.
A Dementia Friends information session is a fun and interactive way to learn a little about dementia. Led by a Dementia Friends' Champion, the session lasts about 40 to 60 minutes, and covers five key messages that everyone should know about Dementia through activities and discussion. These sessions are available to all.
Fiona said:
"This was a really helpful session in helping my understanding of how to be supportive and kind to people living with dementia - such as not arguing with them if they get facts wrong; being patient; encouraging them about what they can do - not emphasising what they can do - not emphasising what they can't, and remembering that people living with quality lives."
Fiona continued:
"It is vitally important that we all develop a greater understanding of Dementia and what can be done to create Dementia friendly communities. I would encourage everyone who can to attend a Dementia Friends information session. I am greatly encouraged by the memory community groups seeking to support people with dementia and their carers across my constituency including in Alsager, Sandbach and Holmes Chapel as well as Congleton."