Council encourages people to become a Dementia Friend

People are being encouraged to become a Dementia Friend at Oxford's County Hall on Friday 20 June and Friday 27 June in a campaign by the Alzheimer's Society and Public Health England which is backed by Oxfordshire County Council.

The sessions, delivered by Helena Fahie from Public Health England, will involve discussion about dementia and information about how people can offer particular support to those with the condition. Those attending will receive a badge to show they have signed up to the scheme.

Important information

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, has already signed up to be a Dementia Friend.

She said: "I am delighted to offer my support to the Dementia Friends campaign and am proud to be part of this important initiative to raise awareness and understanding of dementia.

"The experience of living with dementia can be very emotional for the person themselves, as they come to terms with their illness and also for family and friends around them, who must learn how to cope with the changes in their loved one as the illness progresses.

"Dementia affects all aspects of family life and I think it's really important that there is support for everyone whose lives have been affected by dementia.

"By becoming a Dementia Friend by attending one of the information sessions at County Hall, people can gain knowledge about dementia and understand better how it can affect people's lives."

The information sessions in the Council Chamber at County Hall in New Road, Oxford are from midday to 1pm on Friday 20 June and from 12.30pm to 1.30pm on Friday 27 June.

Email Ashley Sellwood at ashley.sellwood@oxfordshire.gov.uk to book a place.