BRADFORD is about to host its first one-stop dementia awareness event.
Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust and Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have teamed up with other local organisations to put on a one-day event marking Dementia Awareness Week.
The Trusts say it is the first time a district-wide event of this type has been organised for people living or working with dementia or to anyone who wants to learn more about the condition.
Next Wednesday's event at the Bradford Hotel in Hall Ings will be officially opened by Lord Patel of Bradford, who is chairman of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Michael Smith, chairman of Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust.
Lord Patel said: "Dementia impacts all our diverse communities and can affect young as well as old.
"This is a prime opportunity for people to find out more about dementia, take part in workshops, find out about the range of services and support available, contribute to debates and discussions or maybe just take a little time out to relax and enjoy the treats and entertainment on offer in our pop-up wellbeing café."
There will be four workshops on the day, starting at 12.30pm, covering What is dementia? Living with dementia, local dementia research and Dementia friendly communities.
People at the event will be entered into a free prize draw and have a chance of winning a one night stay at the Bradford Hotel.
Visitors can access a wide and varied range of information and support.
The event includes approximately 25 groups and organisations including stalls run by Bradford and District Age UK, the Alzheimer’s Society, Bradford University’s Ethical Tissue Research Team, West Yorkshire Police, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, Bradford and District Carers Resource, West Yorkshire Trading Standards and the Meri Yaadain Dementia Team.
Meri Yaadain (meaning My Memories) is a nationally recognised award-winning initiative that is breaking down the misconceptions about dementia and working to raise awareness of dementia amongst the older South Asian communities in Bradford.
West Yorkshire Police will also be there to raise awareness of the Herbert Protocol – a national initiative to speed up and simplify the response of the Police and other agencies when a vulnerable person with dementia or Alzheimer's is reported missing.
People will also be able to find out more about the SAFER project led by West Yorkshire Trading Standards - a community protection and empowerment programme giving older people the knowledge, skills and confidence to protect themselves against doorstep crime and scams.
Places at the event and workshops are limited so booking is advised.
To book for the main event and or any of the workshops e-mail Courtenay White on courtenay.white@bdct.nhs.uk or telephone 01274 363601.
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