Pendle News Room

Pendle Dementia Action Alliance is holding its first Dementia Awareness Day on Tuesday 17th May, 10am – 4pm, at the ACE Centre in Cross Street, Nelson.

It’s estimated that around 4,000 people in Pendle are affected by dementia - either living with dementia or caring for someone with dementia. And that figure is growing.

The Alliance is all about making it easier for people to access the help and support they need.

Paul Gauntlett, Pendle’s Dementia Action Alliance Chair, said: “Like so many people, I have family members who live with dementia and I understand some of the issues and difficulties that people with dementia face, as well as their families and carers .

“This is a free, public event for anyone concerned about dementia, including carers and health and social care professionals. Call in any time between 10am and 4pm.”

As well as raising awareness about dementia and the high-quality specialist services available in the borough, the event will also help to tackle the stigma that’s often associated with dementia.

It will look at what it must feel like to have dementia and give practical advice on how you can help others or help yourself.

Throughout the day there will be talks by leading dementia specialists, one-hour Dementia Friends information sessions and activities aimed at those with dementia, as well as advice and information stands from a range of organisations.

And on the day a useful directory, created by the Alliance, which sets out the services and support available locally will be launched.

Pendle Dementia Action Alliance has delivered Dementia Friend sessions to more than 500 people in Pendle, but there may be more Friends the group is not aware of.

And it’s urging anyone who lives or works in Pendle to contact them if they’re already a Dementia Friend or Dementia Champion so it can co-ordinate efforts.

Paul added: “The Alliance is grateful for the tremendous support it receives from the private, voluntary and public sector and is particularly grateful to Pendle Council for helping to co-ordinate the work we do.”

For more information about the Dementia Awareness Day or the work of Pendle Dementia Action Alliance, telephone 07484 088 856 or email pendledaa@gmail.com 

You can sign up to become a Dementia Friend through the national organisation - www.dementiafriends.org.uk