SDLP political representatives and staff in Derry have pledged to become more ‘Dementia Friendly’ after taking part in a workshop run by the Alzheimer’s Society today.
Foyle MP Mark Durkan, who facilitated today’s Dementia Friends workshop, said:
“The Alzheimer’s Society must be commended for providing such a helpful and enlightening training session – which I would recommend to other offices, services and firms throughout the North.
“This was a great opportunity to develop a better understanding of how to relate to, communicate with and support a person with dementia.
“This is especially important when we consider there are currently 20,000 people living with dementia in Northern Ireland, and that this figure is expected to treble by 2051.
“As a member of the All Party Group on Dementia at Westminster I have consistently supported the need to make our communities Dementia Friendly – so that people with dementia can lead the lives they want and play a full role in society.
“A training session like this is so important for those of us dealing with issues and policies surrounding Alzheimer’s and dementia.
“It also helps to reinforce the message that a little bit of tolerance, patience and understanding can make a big difference to people with dementia.”
