Dementia Friends
The Dementia Friends programme, in association with the Alzheimer’s Society, was the biggest ever initiative aiming to change people’s perception of dementia.
A Dementia Friend is someone who learns about dementia so they can help their community. Many people affected by dementia feel society fails to understand the condition they live with. Dementia Friends help by raising awareness and understanding for people with dementia and their loved ones.
We’re currently working with Approach Dementia Support to develop bespoke awareness sessions.
Dementia Friends Champions
In 2018, Sarah and Jodie from Biddulph Town Council volunteered to become Dementia Friends Champions and subsequently ran several information sessions – creating 376 Dementia Friends in the town by the end of 2023.
Dementia Friendly Community
Biddulph Town Council is working on an action plan that will help to make Biddulph a Dementia Friendly Community, where people with dementia are understood, respected and supported.
In a Dementia Friendly Community people will be aware of and understand dementia, so that people with dementia can continue to live in the way they want to and in the community they choose.
The action plan was updated in January 2024 and can be viewed here: Dementia Action Plan January 2024
Support and Advice
Biddulph Town Council partners with:
Approach Dementia Support to hosts a carers advice and support group in the Town Hall on the 2nd Thursday of each month, 10.30am to 12.30pm. This is a friendly and informal support group, where you can chat to other carers, speak to experienced staff and receive personalised advice. For more information call 01782 214999 or email enquiries@approachstaffordshire.co.uk.
And
Dougie Mac – to host a wellbeing session on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, 1pm to 3pm in the Town Hall. Speak with staff and volunteers, gain support and form friendships whilst bettering your physical and emotional wellbeing. These sessions are for anyone with a life limiting illness, including dementia. For more information call 01782 969606 or email wellbeingcentre@dmhospice.org.uk.
Community Cinema
See a film at Biddulph Town Hall, on Wednesdays 1.30pm to 3.30pm, with tea and cake served in the interval. See our website Events page for dates.
‘Dementia Voices’
The Biddulph Methodist Church, working in partnership with Approach Dementia Support, hold ‘Dementia Voices’ events fortnightly on Fridays, 2pm to 3.30pm, at The Victoria Centre. The events are free and include refreshments and a musical session of well known familiar songs intended to both energise and inspire. For more information contact Lyn Tindale, the Social Inclusion Worker at Biddulph Methodist Church on 07776 166990.
Dementia Support Activity Group
Approach Dementia Support, partnered with Stoke City Football Club Community Trust and Biddulph Methodist Church deliver support for people with dementia. Sessions run every Wednesday 10.30am to 12 noon at Biddulph Methodist Church, enabling people with dementia and their carers to come together to socialise and participate in fun, engaging activities. For more information phone 01782 214999 or email enquiries@approachstaffordshire.co.uk.
‘Bag of Trix’
You can explore a ‘Bag of Trix’ (assistive technology and daily living aids) promoting independent living, produced as part of Staffordshire County Council’s Supportive Communities programme, at the Town Hall. Pop into the Town Hall Reception to arrange a viewing.
Caring for a Person with Dementia: A Practical Guide
The Alzheimer’s Society’s ‘Caring for a person with dementia: A practical guide’ is available on the Alzheimer’s Society’s website (www.alzheimers.org.uk). Carers experience and insight have shaped this guide. Here’s a link:
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/publications-factsheets/caring-person-dementia-practical-guide
Dementia Friendly Physical Environments Checklist
Here’s a link to a checklist – advising how to improve your building/premises for people with dementia: Dementia Friendly Environments Checklist.
More contacts, advice and information can be viewed on our ‘‘Biddulph Works Together Dementia Support Leaflet’.
Paper copies are available from the Town Hall Reception.