A NEWLY-OPENED care home in Binfield, has set itself an ambitious community challenge: to inspire and support 100 local people to become Dementia Friends by May, in time for Dementia Action Week.
Farley Gardens, a purpose-built care home, offers specialist dementia and residential care. It is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme to deliver five free information sessions for local residents and professionals.
The initiative aims to increase people’s understanding of dementia and inspire people to make a difference for those affected by the condition in their communities.
Each free one-hour session will be delivered by a trained Dementia Friends Ambassador and will provide an accessible introduction to dementia, including how to be supportive to people with the condition.
Jo Anderson-Woodley, home services advisor at Farley Gardens, said: “I feel incredibly passionate about reaching as many people as possible from different walks of life in our local area.
“Dementia affects so many families, yet people often feel unsure how to help.
“By offering these short, accessible sessions, we hope to build confidence, understanding and compassion within our community.
“Our goal is to create 100 new Dementia Friends and we believe that by working together, those 100 people can go on to create a ripple effect of positive change across neighbourhoods, workplaces and beyond.”
The five free Dementia Friends sessions will take place at Farley Gardens on:
Tuesday, January 20, from 11am, until noon,
Tuesday, February 24, from 10.30am to 11.30am,
Wednesday, March 11, from 11a until noon,
Wednesday, April 15, from 2pm to 3pm,
and on Wednesday, May 13, from 10am until 11am.
Local residents, professionals, businesses and community groups are invited to take part and help Farley Gardens reach its 100-person target.
Anyone wishing to attend should call Jo Anderson-Woodley on 01344 525050 or email: joanne.woodley@barchester.com.
To mark the success of the initiative, Farley Gardens plans to host a celebratory garden party in May, inviting all participants back to the home to recognise their contribution, share experiences and celebrate the collective impact of becoming a more dementia-friendly community.
For information, visit: barchester.com
