Timperley resident urges others to unite against dementia
Maddy Haren, from Manchester, who lives in Timperley, is calling on others to join her and unite against dementia at the Cheshire Memory Walk, which will be held at Arley Hall and Gardens, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6NA on Saturday 12 October 2019. Maddy, whose mum has dementia, is urging people to register for the event to help the charity raise money to improve the lives of people affected by the condition. Maddy’s mum Mary, who is 81-years-old, has vascular dementia and no longer knows who Maddy is. She was diagnosed a few years ago but Maddy believes the dementia started a long time before that. Maddy is also in remission from triple negative breast cancer and decided to hide her illness from her mother Mary so as not to upset and confuse her when she was diagnosed with the cancer last year. Despite only just finishing her chemotherapy weeks before, Maddy also took part in the Cheshire Memory Walk at Arley Hall last October, and loved every moment of it. Maddy says: “I was still a little poorly when I signed up for the Memory Walk last year. I hadn’t even finished my chemo treatment but it was something I really wanted to do for mum and also for myself as a challenge. It’s such a great day and atmosphere, even in the rain! I really would recommend other people signing up for one of Alzheimer’s Society’s Memory Walks by going to memorywalk.org.uk or join me at Arley Hall in Cheshire and do your bit to raise awareness for a really important cause.” Steve Green, Alzheimer’s Society Area Manager for Cheshire, said: “Dementia is now the UK’s biggest killer with someone developing it every three minutes – yet dementia research still trails far behind other health conditions, after decades of underfunding. We are calling on family, friends – and furry four-legged supporters – to unite against dementia this autumn. Dementia devastates lives. Walk with us at Memory Walk and dementia won’t win. Every pound raised will help Alzheimer’s Society provide information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by dementia.” “Unite against dementia and register now at memorywalk.org.uk” Alzheimer’s Society has pledged to invest £150 million in the next decade to search for better treatments and work towards a cure for dementia. Every penny raised through Memory Walk will help Alzheimer’s Society find a cure, improve care and support people affected by dementia – register now at https://www.memorywalk.org.uk.
RCH Care Homes makes dementia commitment
RCH Care Homes makes dementia commitment as part of Dementia Action Week To mark Dementia Action Week (DAW), which ran from 20 to 26 May 2019, RCH Care Homes committed to creating 900 new Dementia Friends! As part of RCH’s ongoing partnership with the Association for Dementia Studies (ADS), and to complement our dementia strategy, By Your Side; all 900 employees across our 10 care homes and support services will become ‘Dementia Friends’ over the coming months. The Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme aims to change the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about the condition so supporting the initiative seemed a fitting action to commit to during DAW. RCH’s By Your Side strategy and the partnership with the world-renowned dementia research and education centre ADS, were launched earlier this year. The strategy, which is founded on four key pillars; training, environment, activities and hospitality, is being rolled out and embedded in the business’ ten care homes across the east and south east of England during 2019, alongside specialist ADS training for our ten care home managers and 24 dementia specialists. RCH Care Home’s Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Rees, said: “We are delighted to support Dementia Friends as part of Dementia Action Week as it complements our ongoing commitment to improving the lives of people living with dementia. Creating 900 new Dementia Friends within our homes will further support our drive to ensure all of our residents wake up in the morning looking forward to the day ahead, and go to bed at night feeling happy, loved and contented, having had a great day.” You can find more information about our dementia care at www.rchcarehomes.co.uk or by emailing care@rchcarehomes.co.uk.
Lacey Turner joins in for Alzheimer’s Society’s Cupcake Day 2019
Dust off your baking bowls and whip out your whisks, Alzheimer’s Society’s Cupcake Day is back on Thursday 13 June. Actress and Alzheimer’s Society supporter, Lacey Turner, is urging everyone to unite against dementia with their families, friends and colleagues, by baking or buying cupcakes to raise vital funds. Being close to friends and colleagues affected by dementia, Lacey Turner is now supporting the cause, having taken part in a Cupcake Day tasting event last year. Speaking about supporting Cupcake Day, Lacey said: “After tasting lots of treats last year, I’m so happy to be taking part in Alzheimer’s Society’s Cupcake Day again,” said Lacey. “Cupcake Day is not just for the pros, I didn’t do any baking last year- I can only make toast! You can bake, bring or buy, but what’s important is that we all unite together to help beat dementia. “Every three minutes someone in the UK develops dementia but each cupcake sold will help get us a step closer to finding a cure. That’s why I’m calling on all the bakers and fakers to join me; it’s time to get to work! You can sign up for a free fundraising kit at cupcakeday.org.uk.” Research will beat dementia, but we need more funding to find a cure. There hasn’t been a new drug for dementia in 15 years – but since 2013, the number of clinical trials for Alzheimer’s drugs has doubled, and Alzheimer’s Society is investing in, and accelerating, dementia research, having committed to spending at least £150m in the next decade. With 850,000 people in the UK having dementia, we owe better knowledge of the condition to everyone affected, so that they can live better. It is only through research that we can understand what causes dementia, develop effective treatments, improve care and one day find a cure. Sue Clarke, Alzheimer’s Society operations manager for Alzheimer’s Society in Greater Manchester, said: “We’re all delighted that Lacey is supporting us for Cupcake Day. It’s great to see how attending a Cupcake Day event last year has inspired Lacey to get more involved in the fun this year. “Dementia is now the UK’s biggest killer. Each cupcake will help us find a cure, improve care and offer help and understanding for people affected. Events such as Cupcake Day make it easy for everyone to get involved, and raise awareness of the important work we do to support people with dementia.” Now in its fourth year, Cupcake Day has raised £2.7 million since 2016. Last year more than 3,873 baking pros, impatient icers, first-timers and late night whiskers from the North West united together against dementia for Cupcake Day. This June, Alzheimer’s Society is encouraging everyone to bake, bring or buy, to raise more than ever before to help beat dementia. In just the average time it takes to bake a batch of cakes, six people will develop dementia in the UK. Whether you choose to host your own event for Cupcake Day on 13 June or mark the occasion another time in the month, there are no excuses not to get involved. Visit cupcakeday.org.uk to sign up today!
How you can help during Dementia Action week?
This Dementia Action Week, 20 – 26 May, Alzheimer’s Society is calling for people to focus on inclusion, and take action so people living with dementia can stay connected to the things they love for longer. Over a third of people living with dementia have recently felt lonely and over a third have lost touch with their friends following a diagnosis (Alzheimer’s Society’s Turning up the Volume report). Across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, this means hundreds and thousands of people living with dementia are feeling cut off. Public anxiety and a sense of social awkwardness contribute to the isolation that people living with dementia experience – over half of the general public report that they don’t feel confident visiting someone with dementia in a care home or inviting them to a meal at their home. Living with dementia doesn’t need to mean an isolated life – after all, people with dementia are still people. This Dementia Action Week, Alzheimer’s Society is urging everyone to unite with them and take action – so people living with dementia can stay connected to the things they love for longer. It’s as simple as continuing to stay in touch, talk to and visit friends, family and neighbours with dementia. Or learning more about dementia and volunteering with Alzheimer’s Society to help someone in your local area. Our small acts of kindness can make a huge impact in helping people with dementia stay connected. Last year, over 900 events took place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our film reached 1.8 million views, thousands of people pledged to take action for people affected by dementia online and we made over 21,000 Dementia Friends. People don’t realise that many people with dementia may find it difficult to recognise faces of friends and family members, but they still hold an ‘emotional memory’ which means they continue to feel happy long after a visit or experience that they may have forgotten. Spending time with loved ones is important because it can stimulate feelings of familiarity, happiness, comfort and security. Staying connected and taking part in activities helps a person with dementia feel less isolated. Look out for campaign materials for the week promoting the best ways to stay in touch, have a conversation and make a difference to people with dementia in your community. To find your nearest event during Dementia Action Week, and to get involved and take action, visit alzheimers.org.uk/DAW.
Penwortham man living with dementia releases song for Alzheimer’s Society
69-year-old John Holt who is living with dementia has been inspired to write a song about his experiences of the condition. The song ‘The Secret D’ has been released on iTunes with all proceeds going to Alzheimer’s Society. John, who lives in Penwortham, attends Alzheimer’s Society’s Singing for the Brain in Penwortham, and is also a member of the Skylarks Community Choir. As a former musician in a brass band, John penned the lyrics and contacted ‘The Songwriting Charity’, set up by Nathan Timothy, who agreed to write the music and produce it. John explains: “I wanted to write something that explains what happens when you get dementia and how if you keep doing activities it can genuinely help you. I hope the lyrics communicate how I feel I live with the illness and emphasise that there are many things we can still do and learn. We don’t have to just sit back and silently accept the inevitable. ‘I try to be as active as possible and organise lots of new things and I really believe that helps me to deal with this condition. I wanted to share that message with other people with dementia, and, at the same time, raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society, as I feel the charity has really helped me. ‘I feel my confidence has grown since attending these singing groups. I do a solo every week, and prior to getting dementia, I would never have stood up and sung. Now I have written a song and sold 200 copies of the CD already.” Nathan Timothy from The Songwriting Charity based in Kent said: “John contacted me after reading online about my work and I was honoured when he asked me if I could help him with this fantastic and unique project. My own father has been diagnosed with dementia so I am fully aware of the impact it has on the lives of so many people.” The lead vocals are sung by 22 year-old Lewis Hampson who studies music at UCLan. Lewis recently lost his grandfather to dementia and so was keen to be involved as it had a personal significance for him. Lewis Hampson says: “I met John at a singing for the brain group having been persuaded to go along by mum who works for Alzheimer’s Society. Having lost my grandad last year, who lived with dementia, I felt humbled when I was asked to sing lead vocals on the song John had wrote. It made me think I was giving something back to the society who had supported him and my nan. I am in my final year at UClan studying Musical Theatre so singing is a great passion of mine. Being part of this project was my absolute pleasure.” A small group from Skylarks community choir (including John) were also involved in singing on the recording. Jane Swarbrick, who leads Alzheimer’s Society’s Singing for the Brain group and runs Skylark Community choir said: “It’s amazing what John has achieved by writing this song and selling 200 copies of the CD already. I think it’s truly inspirational that so many people have come together to support and help make this happen for John. ‘I think John echoes an important message that people can still live well with dementia and keeping active and having interests helps many people with dementia. ‘Music is also so important for people with dementia. Even when many memories are hard to retrieve, music can sometimes still be recalled – if only for a short while. Singing for the Brain sessions help people living with dementia communicate, improving their mood and leaving them feeling good about themselves.’ ‘Dementia devastates lives, but dementia won’t win. Until the day we find a cure we will be here for anyone affected by dementia, where they are, whatever they’re going through. We need more people like John and those who have supported him to join us now and unite against dementia.” If you want to download the song please go to https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/the-secret-d-single/1455634899 John is also writing a book called ‘From Birth to Dementia’ about his life. From running your local 5K to trekking Mount Kilimanjaro and cycling from London to Paris to parachuting, Alzheimer’s Society has a fantastic range of events both in the UK and abroad. Unite with us now at www.alzheimers.org.uk
Alzheimer’s Society to launch new café support group
Parbold and Skelmersdale Alzheimer’s Society dementia cafes will become one new café support group for people with dementia starting on Wednesday 10 April at Skelmersdale library. The amalgamated Café will provide an opportunity for people with dementia and their carers to socialise and get much needed face to face support. Dementia Cafés provide people with dementia and carers a platform to talk openly about living with dementia within a relaxed and informal environment. The group will also hear from a variety of guest speakers, including health and social care professionals and representatives from the local community, about topics and services relevant to them. Kathleen Storton, Services Manager for Alzheimer’s Society in West Lancashire said: “Following feedback from people currently attending both cafes in Parbold and Skelmersdale, we agreed it made sense to hold just one café support group on a different day in the afternoon from 1pm – 3pm to make it more accessible for people affected by dementia. ‘Alzheimer’s Society continues to support people affected by dementia in West Lancashire through our Dementia Adviser and Dementia Support services. Merging the cafes enables our Dementia Support Worker to spend more time providing one to one support. ‘Dementia cafes can really help improve people’s quality of life. They give people with the condition and their carers the opportunity to socialise with others in similar situations and receive vital support. They’re also a great source of information and guidance which can help people to live well with the condition. ‘Alzheimer’s Society also provide information, support and advice through our national Dementia Helpline and are here for anyone affected by dementia on 0300 222 11 22. Our website (alzheimers.org.uk) offers a wealth of information about all forms of dementia, along with Talking Point is our free online community where anyone affected by dementia can receive peer support. ‘We do hope that you can come along and join us on Wednesday 10 April to help us launch the café.” Linda Manwaring who attends the Dementia Café in Ormskirk said: “My life has improved a great deal since coming to the café support group, because I can talk to other carers and the staff and I can also share experiences with them. The dementia cafes are an excellent idea. ‘I think the staff and volunteers are very supportive and kind. They have a lovely way about them which can really help. It’s a great way for people to come together, carers can share experiences and gain support from others in a similar situation” There are 1,544 people living with dementia in West Lancashire. With the right support people can live well with the condition for a number of years. If you would like more information about the Skelmersdale café starting on Wednesday 10 April (1.30pm until 3.30pm) please contact Kathleen Storton and other Alzheimer’ Society staff on 01772 788700 or kathleen.storton@alzheimers.org.uk As well as Dementia Cafés, Alzheimer’s Society in West Lancashire runs a number of services including Dementia Advisers, Dementia Support Workers, Singing for the Brain and Carers Information and Support Programme. For more information visit alzheimers.org.uk/localinfo
Thousands of ‘glow-getters’ put dementia to bed at Ready Steady GLOW in Manchester
Thousands of people took to the streets of Manchester at the weekend to unite against dementia. More than 3,400 attended Alzheimer’s Society’s special 5km night walk, known as Ready Steady GLOW, which started and finished at Media City. Participants, most of whom were walking in memory of – or to pay tribute to – a loved one affected by dementia, formed a sea of blue in their Memory Walk T-shirts as they made their way along the city’s waterfront. From there, they snaked their way across some of the city’s iconic bridges and past the famous Imperial War Museum and Lowry Theatre. Before the walk got underway the Piazza was a hive of activity as participants enjoyed a lively ‘zumba dance’ warm up session – and the high spirits continued as medals were handed out as people crossed the finishing line. Hazel Bayley, Alzheimer’s Society Area Manager for the North West, said: “Dementia is now the UK’s biggest killer, with someone developing it every three minutes. “I am so glad that thousands of people from across the region stepped out to improve the lives of people living with dementia. “Dementia devastates lives; it slowly strips people of their memories, relationships and identities. “Every pound raised through Ready Steady GLOW will help Alzheimer’s Society provide vital information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by the condition. “Alzheimer’s Society is committed to spending at least £150 million over the next decade on dementia research to improve care for people today and find a cure for tomorrow. “I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped make this year’s first Ready Steady GLOW event such a brilliant success.” To find out more about Ready Steady GLOW and Alzheimer’s Society’s daytime Memory Walk events, go to memorywalk.org.uk
Primaflow F&P raises £30,000 for Alzheimer’s Society
A programme of fundraising activities led by staff at plumbing, heating and bathrooms wholesaler Primaflow F&P has resulted in cumulative donations of £30,000 to the company’s current charity partner, Alzheimer’s Society. Spanning the past three years, the fundraising drive encompassed a range of physical activities including marathons, walks, mountain treks and cycle rides – with many of the initiatives seeing colleagues join up to tackle the challenges in teams. Additional funds were raised via a staff shop and through the company’s website, www.primaflowfandp.co.uk. Explaining that more than 50 staff members joined together to participate in the various activities, managing director Jed Kenrick says: “Staff have taken themselves out of their comfort zones and braved new challenges, in a concerted effort to raise funds and awareness for this important cause. Alzheimer’s Society works tirelessly to provide the best support – for people living with dementia and carers alike. We hope our support will go some way to helping further the charity’s valuable research.” Speaking on receipt of the final cheque, Joe Swan from Alzheimer’s Society explained why support for the charity is so critical: “Dementia is a widespread issue, affecting more than 850,000 people in the UK – with this figure expected to rise to 1 million by 2025. With no cure currently available for Alzheimer’s disease or any other type of dementia, we are committed to investing in research designed to improve care – and ultimately find a cure. The £30,000 raised by Primaflow F&P will go a long way to helping us do this. Thanks to everyone for their hard work fundraising.” Primaflow F&P has previously supported charities including Macmillan Cancer Support and Whizz-Kidz. The company’s charity partner for 2019 and 2020 will be Make-A-Wish UK.
Singing Brings Joy To Those Living With Dementia
In December 2018, I had the honour of bringing some festive cheer to a group of people living with dementia, and also their carers. I began volunteering for Alzheimer’s Society back in May 2018. I didn’t really know what to expect but I had a very open mind, so I was accepting of anything that I would have to face. Ever since I began volunteering, I have been so thankful for the happiness and joy that it has brought into my life. Unfortunately I am unable to volunteer currently due to work commitments, but I really hope to be back in the near future. Dementia affects thousands of people in the UK. I wanted to be a part of the charity that does amazing things for such a heart-breaking condition. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of making someone smile. For whatever reason, whether you make a joke and everyone finds it amusing, or whether you do a good deed for someone and make them happy. There is nothing like that heart-warming feeling. This is why I looked forward to travelling every other week to see a group of wonderful people who were all there for the same reason. To have a good time. Imagine what people living with dementia, and also their carers, go through every single day. I imagine it feels very comforting to spend time around other people living with similar experiences. I volunteered for a group called ‘Singing for the brain’.Tara Edwards, Area Manager for Alzheimer’s Society in Lancashire and Cumbria said: “Singing for the Brain is a programme developed by Alzheimer’s Society for people with memory problems. The Singing for the Brain programme promotes communication through singing which can help with articulation, concentration, focus and motivation. Specially trained facilitators deliver a varied programme of vocal, rhythmic and gentle physical exercise and dance, along with songs from different eras and styles. “Even when many memories are hard to retrieve, music can sometimes still be recalled – if only for a short while. The sessions help people with dementia communicate improving their mood and leaving them feeling good about themselves.’ “ There are 16280 living in Lancashire but with the right support people can live well with the condition for a number of years.“ Soon after I began volunteering, I attended a class to become a ‘dementia friend’. I wanted to be able to recognise people who had dementia, and be able to help them in the best way possible. I received a badge that I could wear that would bring comfort to those living with dementia, to see that there was somebody who could understand them and help them when needed. I took it upon myself to do a little bit of research on the difficulties that are faced by someone with dementia, so that I was more aware of the condition itself and the challenges that are faced. I can’t even begin to imagine how frightening and lonely it must feel, to not understand what is happening, having your perception of the world distorted. This is why I care so much about Alzheimer’s Society. They are doing everything in their power to try and gain some control over this horrible disease. Here are some statistics from Alzheimer’s Society themselves: Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. We provide information and support, fund research, campaign to improve care and create lasting change for people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Dementia devastates lives. Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 850,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia. By 2021, 1 million people will be living with the condition. This will soar to two million by 2051. Dementia deaths are rising year on year and 225,000 will develop dementia this year – that’s one every three minutes. Dementia costs the UK economy over £26 billion per year. This is the equivalent of more than £30,000 per person with dementia. Alzheimer’s Society funds research into the cause, care, cure and prevention of all types of dementia and has committed to spend at least £150 million on research over the next decade. This includes a £50 million investment in theUK’s first dedicated Dementia Research Institute. Until the day we find a cure, Alzheimer’s Society will be here for anyone affected by dementia – wherever they are, whatever they’re going through. Everything we do is informed and inspired by them. Let’s take on dementia together. Volunteer. Donate. Campaign for change. Whatever you do, unite with us against dementia. Alzheimer’s Society relies voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0330 333 0804 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk. Alzheimer’s Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0300 222 11 22 or visit alzheimers.org.uk Going back to sing for Christmas was the most wonderful opportunity, and I would do it every day if I could. Many of them were singing along to all the Christmas carols and their favourite musicals. It was so lovely to witness so much happiness. I’m really grateful that I’ve had the chance to be a part of an amazing charity. Even though I can’t go back at the moment, I will certainly be back to give my support and offer as much help as I can. I’ve been greatly inspired by the lives that these people have led, and even though they have been hit by the hardest challenges, they still have that spark that makes them who they are. I hope that this has made an impact on how important it is to offer support and help to charity. Whatever charity you support, you will always be appreciated. In my honest opinion, volunteering is the best thing you can do as a young person. It opens your eyes to the world around you and helps you to become more compassionate towards those in need. It has honestly changed my life for the better, and I would love to think that it could change someone else’s too.
