Plymouth celebrates efforts to make city dementia friendly

Plymouth’s pioneering commitment to tackle the devastating effects of dementia is to be celebrated at the city’s first Dementia Friendly City Awards.

The city is recognised nationally for its efforts to support those affected by the condition, to research potential new treatments and to raise awareness of its impact across all sections of the community.

Now 31 organisations, ranging from schools to care homes and public bodies, are to receive awards in recognition of their work to highlight the condition.

Plymouth was the first city to set up a body directly focused on tackling the condition, with the launch of the Plymouth Dementia Action Alliance in 2011. Its partners include Plymouth City Council, Plymouth University, Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, the emergency services and local businesses.

The city has also played a leading role in the Prime Minister’s Dementia Friendly Communities programme, recently earning praise from David Cameron and Health Minister Norman Lamb MP for its city-wide approach.

Ian Sherriff, Academic Lead for Dementia at Plymouth University and Vice Chairman of the Plymouth Dementia Friendly Alliance, is one of the Prime Minister’s Dementia Champions.

He said: “Two years ago, we started the process to becoming dementia friendly and Plymouth has responded to the challenge. It is said there is no sense of community without a sense of care, and the level of care demonstrated by all these organisations is extremely heartening. Thanks to their efforts, Plymouth is leading the way when it comes to the treatment of dementia and the support of those affected by it.”

Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet member for Public Health and Adult Social Care, Councillor Sue McDonald, added: “It is important to recognise how all the different support and activities available contribute to improving the experience of living with the condition in Plymouth. Dementia is one of the biggest challenges we face. With the Plymouth Dementia Action Alliance and our partners we are working to not only provide better support but also to improve the awareness and understanding of the condition.”

The city’s efforts have also been recognised nationally by the Alzheimer’s Society, with Plymouth being used as an example of best practice for other communities across the country.

George McNamara, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the Alzheimer's Society, said: “If we’re going to fight dementia we need all of the community from the boardroom to bus drivers to play a part. These awards are a testament to the incredible work that organisations from Plymouth and beyond have been taking part in over the last year.

“One in three people over the age of 65 will develop dementia. Plymouth has been a real leader in creating dementia friendly communities and we hope this will inspire others to help us build a Britain better geared up to deal with dementia.”