EVESHAM has officially launched its campaign to become a ‘Dementia Friendly Town’- with the town’s Mayor calling on residents and businesses to be more understanding of those with dementia.
Coun Fred Kaler, councillors, members of the Alzheimer’s Society and the Evesham Dementia Action Alliance gathered on the High Street last Friday (August 19) to launch the campaign.
The launch coincided with the Alzheimer’s Society’s roadshow bus rolling into town to answer residents questions about dementia, as well as helping to promote the benefits of an early diagnosis.
At the event, Coun Kaler made an impassioned speech calling on the town to come together and back the campaign to make Evesham a ‘Dementia Friendly Town.’
“We want to inspire our local community, organisations and businesses within Evesham to become more aware and understanding of dementia,” he said.
“We all need to be more respectful of members of our community with dementia, and we need to challenge ourselves and others on how we think and talk about dementia.
“About four months ago Jo Hughes from the Alzheimer’s Society contacted me and the Town Clerk to support her in what could be done in Evesham to raise awareness and overcome the stigma surrounding dementia.
“We now have a group who are known as the Evesham Dementia Action Alliance. Membership of the DAA has grown over the last few months- but we need everyone’s support and involvement to make a lasting difference and improve the lives of members of the community affected by dementia.
“We want to turn understanding into action and make a lasting difference of people living with dementia.
“We have a community Town Plan and I believe that this project should be part of that Town Plan and make Evesham a ‘Dementia Friendly Town’,” he added.
