Proud To Be Dementia Friendly

Be Proud To Become Dementia Friendly

Working together as a community to support people affected by dementia is becoming incredibly important.  Becoming “Dementia Friendly” is the new initiative launched by the NCL Dementia Friendly Scheme to create environments where people with dementia and their carers can feel welcome, included and valued.   

People living with dementia can face numerous challenges like memory loss, visual perception issues, restricted mobility and noise sensitivity, which can make everyday activities stressful.   By becoming a Dementia Friendly organisation is a step to making things easier.

There are many things that can be done to make life easier for people with dementia and their carers, from simple adjustment to spaces, layout of rooms and décor to improving signage and perhaps, in the case of retail businesses, offering dedicated times for “slow shopping”.

Becoming an NCL Friendly Dementia organisation is relatively straightforward and consists of three steps – becoming dementia aware, making at least two commitments to being more dementia friendly and adding your name to a growing list of other like-minded participants.

The number of people in London with dementia is increasing and it is estimated that over 12,500 people in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington (North Central London or NCL) currently live with the condition.

In Enfield, as at 2020, 5% of adults over 65 have been diagnosed with dementia – the highest prevalence in London, and higher than the rate for England.

The scheme is open to any organisation regardless of size or sector – retail or business, charity or faith group, sports and leisure centres and everything in between.   Interested parties in the Borough of Enfield can find further information and details as to how to sign up through the Enfield Dementia Network and here.    

You can also email: alisoncarteralbert@ageukenfield.org.uk

Alison Carter Albert is Head of Prevention at Age UK Enfield and Chair of the Enfield Dementia Network.  She says “this is a fabulous opportunity for organisations and businesses to show their support for people with dementia.   Dementia can be heart-wrenching for the individual and their families, friends and carers – a simple change in the way businesses and groups operate can have a real positive benefit and effect.”

THE NCL Dementia Friendly scheme is a partnership between Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington Local Authorities and North Central London Integrated Care Board.