Croydon fire officers, leisure centre staff and the council will host dementia awareness roadshows this month to get people thinking about how they can support those living with the condition in the community.
Hundreds of people are expected to attend the roadshow sessions and become a Dementia Friend.
The free drop-in sessions will take place from 1pm to 2pm on Tuesday 12th March in Croydon Town Hall, Monday 18th March at Purley Fire Station and Monday 25th March at Thornton Heath leisure centre.
More events are planned for Dementia Action Week 20th – 26th May and during the autumn.
This is part of the work being done by Croydon’s Dementia Action Alliance to make the borough a fully-inclusive dementia friendly town, and to meet the criteria for the Alzheimer’s Society’s Working Towards Dementia Friendly status.
At the roadshow, information will be given through fun activities and thought-provoking scenarios. People will learn about what they can do if they see someone who may be struggling or appear confused out in the community, in a shop or on public transport and when to be patient in a queue.
It is also an opportunity for families and carers of those with dementia to better understand the condition.
People will also find out more about the Herbert Protocol, a national scheme by the Metropolitan Police and other agencies for quick interventions when vulnerable people go missing.
It encourages carers to compile useful information that can be handed to the police in the event of someone with dementia going missing. This can include medication requirements, mobile numbers, a photograph, and familiar places they may go to.
“We are making great progress for Croydon to be a dementia-friendly borough. These roadshow events will increase awareness of the condition and sharing information about initiatives such as the Herbert Protocol will help to safeguard more vulnerable people in our communities and quickly return them to safety.”
Councillor Jane Avis, cabinet member for families, health and social care
Chief Superintendent Dave Stringer, Temporary Borough Commander, South Area BCU, Metropolitan Police: “It is excellent we are working closely together to get the information about the Herbert Protocol out into the community, where it can be a life saver”.
Tracey Wells, Alzheimer’s Society Service Manager in Croydon: “The roadshow sessions in Croydon will help even more people to understand dementia and people living with the condition. Being a Dementia Friend simply means learning more about dementia, putting yourself in the shoes of someone living with the condition, and turning your understanding into action. From visiting someone you know with dementia to being more patient in a shop queue, every action counts.”
For more information about the roadshows email Rachel.carse@croydon.gov.uk
