Published: Wednesday, 10th February 2016
Cannock Chase Council’s Cabinet has approved the recommendation to become a member of the Staffordshire Dementia Action Alliance. This builds on the work already undertaken in the District to become a dementia friendly organisation.
Dementia Friendly societies are part of a national initiative which originates from the Prime Minister’s Dementia Challenge in 2012. The development is supported by the Dementia Action Alliance and they aim is to raise awareness of dementia, reduce stigma and also try to reduce the loneliness and isolation experienced by both people with dementia and their carers.
There are approximately 1184 people living with dementia in Cannock Chase and this figure is expected to increase to just over 2000 by 2030.
Significant activity has already taken place across most parts of the District to establish a supporting infrastructure for people with dementia and this now needs to be rolled out to include Cannock.
Councillor Muriel Davis, Portfolio Leader for Health and Wellbeing said “There has been a huge amount of work gone into this initiative, particularly in Hednesford. It has also been supported by local businesses, which shows the demand and the need for support in the community.
It is good to know that vulnerable people are supported and we are raising awareness of this dreadful condition. I hope that the initiative can be successfully rolled out to the rest of the District in 2016.”