Sefton Council is planning to mark Dementia Action Week (May 21-27) by calling on residents to take action to improve the everyday lives of people living with dementia.

The council is inviting residents to become Dementia Friends; these are people who learn a little bit more about what it’s like to live with dementia and then turn that understanding into action. There are already over 11,000 registered Dementia Friends in Sefton, the highest number in the Liverpool City Region.

Alzheimer’s Society is encouraging individuals to make a small pledge to do something that could help people affected by dementia feel less alone. Suggested pledges include:

I will be patient
I will ask questions and learn about dementia
I will be patient
I will ask if someone needs help if they feel confused
I will be there for carers and loved ones
I will talk to people
I will take time to listen
I will carry on inviting people out
Events will be held in Bootle and Southport to help people learn more about dementia and help them to understand the small things that can be done to change the lives of people affected by the illness.

A Pop-up memory café and dementia talk will be held at Kindfullness Café in Bootle, Tuesday, May 22 from 10am to 2pm. This will provide the opportunity to chat to staff and learn more about dementia.

A dementia awareness talk will take place at Lord Street West United Church in Southport, Wednesday, May 23, 11am-12pm. This talk will offer the chance to learn more about the symptoms and behaviours of dementia, risk factors, dementia dos and don’ts and will provide information about local dementia services. There will also be the opportunity to meet Alzheimer’s Society staff before and after the talk.

Cllr Paul Cummins, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Chair of the Sefton Dementia Strategy Group, said: “One person develops dementia every three minutes, yet many face it alone. By making a small pledge during Dementia Action Week, we can all work together to make a positive impact on the life of somebody who is living with dementia.



“I would encourage anybody who would like to become a Dementia Friend attends one of the awareness events taking place in Sefton.”

For more information about the Dementia Awareness Talk or the Pop-Up Memory Café call 01704 539967.

Find out more about Dementia Friends here: https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk