MEMBERS of the Barnard Castle Dementia Friendly Community Group (BCDFCG) are planning an open evening to highlight their ongoing efforts in the town.
The group is also keen to encourage more people to get involved in its activities to reinforce Barnard Castle’s reputation as a dementia friendly town.
The BCDFCG was set up after an initial open evening in September 2017 and at its latest meeting, members agreed now was an appropriate time to hold another.
Members of the group are drawn from all sections of the community.
The town council, YMCA, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service and Churches Together are among those represented, along with the Alzheimer’s Society.
Chairman Ian Kirkbride said others were welcome to join in.
“We need more representation around this table. The more organisations we have the better placed we are to move on subjects related to dementia.”
The group undertakes a number of projects.
Training is offered to groups and businesses to arm volunteers and staff with the information they need when dealing with those living with dementia.
An updated leaflet highlighting events and activities for those with dementia, their families and carers being circulated around the town and fiddle mats, which provide comfort to those with dementia, are produced by a group of volunteers working with the YMCA.a
The open meeting is likely to be in Barnard Castle Methodist Church Hall in mid-March. BCDFCG member Susan Kirkbride added: “We want to show what we have done so far and that there is still a way to go.”
Future plans include the recruitment of dementia friendly “champions” in Barnard Castle.
Volunteers would receive extra training after which they would be qualified to lead sessions in the community.
The meeting was told whereas basic dementia friend sessions take just an hour, prospective dementia champions would be required to spend a day training for the role.
Faith Walkwell, dementia advisor for the Alzheimer’s Society covering Barnard Castle and the dales, said the recruitment of champions would help both the dementia friendly group and the society become more sustainable.
For further information about the group, email bcdfcg@gmail.com
