This Dementia Action Week saw us taking meaningful steps to raise awareness and provide support for those affected by dementia. Currently, around 982,000 people in the UK are living with dementia, a number expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime, highlighting the urgent need for early intervention and support.
Speaking of our motivation to provide education and resources to our local communities, our director and co-founder, Philip Wright-Howarth, said: “Our goal for Dementia Action Week is to create a welcoming space that encourages learning and understanding. Offering support and intervention at an early stage is essential in helping individuals live well with dementia. It’s also important to empower those caring for someone living with the condition, so they feel supported and connected with resources that can help them navigate the challenges they may face.”
Promoting Learning with an Informative Dementia Awareness Session
On Monday, we began the week with an insightful dementia awareness session at Dorridge Methodist Church. Our community liaison, Karen Wilkinson, and Learning and Development Manager, Jo Cleary, led the event. Jo provided an in-depth talk on various aspects of dementia, including how to spot the signs, understand different types, and ways to support someone living with the condition. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions to Jo, who brings 25 years of experience in health and social care, including nearly 13 years leading our training in best practices for older care.
This session equipped attendees with the knowledge to better support people with dementia, whether that be a loved one, friend or neighbour and help contribute to a dementia-friendly community. We hope everyone left feeling more confident and informed, which can really help when supporting their loved ones. It was also great to see people feeling part of a larger community, all working together to improve the quality of life and dignity for those living with dementia.
Connecting Community Resources with a Dementia Information Market Place Event
Following on from our informative session, we hosted a Dementia Information Market Place Event at Knowle Village Hall.
This event brought together a variety of professional and community organisations, all committed to supporting individuals affected by dementia. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with representatives from Admiral Nurses, Age UK, Social Prescribers and the Carers Trust, among others. The event was not only educational but also social, with visitors enjoying coffee and cake while exploring the resources available to them.
The event also featured fundraising activities to support Admiral Nurses and The Alzheimer’s Society. The funds raised will go towards supporting the vital work these organisations do in providing specialised care, support services, and research initiatives.
Launch of the Knowle and Dorridge Memory Café
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the local community, we are thrilled to announce the launch of the Knowle and Dorridge Memory Café on Tuesday 11th June at Dorridge Methodist Church. This new initiative aims to provide a welcoming space for individuals affected by dementia, along with their families and carers, to come together, share experiences, and access support. The Memory Café will offer a range of activities designed to stimulate cognitive function and provide social interaction, both of which are crucial for maintaining well-being.
Moving Forward Together
We want to say a big thank you to everyone who came to our events and to all the organisations who took time out of their busy schedules to offer their resources. Your support made Dementia Action Week a success, and we’re excited to host more events like this in the future. The positive feedback shows how important community efforts are in tackling the challenges of dementia. We’re committed to continuing our work to support those affected and make a real difference in our community.
If you’d like to learn more about the launch of the Knowle and Dorridge Memory Café, please contact Karen Wilkinson at karen.wilkinson@uniquecare.co.uk or phone 0121 667 8743.
Jo joined Unique Senior Care as a Carer in 2011, transitioning from a nursing background. With 25 years of experience in health and social care, including mental health and children with disabilities, Jo has embraced numerous growth opportunities within the company.
Passionate about learning and development, Jo earned a Level 5 Diploma in this field and is committed to equipping teams with the skills needed for outstanding care.
Jo’s qualifications include advanced training in people handling, risk assessment, safeguarding, basic life support, first aid, health and safety, and dementia care. Jo has also completed numerous workshops and CPD courses, such as the SCIE’s Co-Production webinar.
These accomplishments reflect Jo’s dedication to fostering a culture of safety and excellence in care.
