PEOPLE living with or showing symptoms of dementia are being urged to access local support as part of a new Wychavon campaign.
The Defy Dementia campaign from Wychavon District Health Collaborative aims to reduce the fear around the condition and to highlight the range of support on offer.
It will showcase the positive ways people continue to live an active life after a dementia diagnosis and empower people to take control of their journey by becoming familiar with their local support network.
The campaign will also encourage anyone with new concerns about their memory, regular bouts of confusion or sudden difficulties with speech and language to visit their GP.
Wychavon has one of the lowest rates of dementia diagnosis in the West Midlands. One reason people may not be seeking help is because of fear about the impact dementia will have on their life.
There is also a popular misconception that symptoms such as memory loss are just ‘part of getting old’ which prevents people from seeking help and vital treatment.
Councillor Dan Birch, Wychavon’s executive board member for wellbeing, said: “Although there may not currently be a cure for dementia, that doesn’t mean people affected by it should feel alone or isolated.
“We hope this scheme helps our residents access support when it matters most.”
The campaign will have a particular focus on Evesham where GPs have been strengthening their ties with local support services such as Evesham Dementia Alliance, Evesham and District Mental Health Support Services and Age UK.
This will allow doctors to direct patients and their loved ones to places where they can begin building connections with people in similar situations. They can also get advice, even before they receive a formal diagnosis.
Dr Neill Bramble, clinical director for the Vale of Evesham Primary Care Network, said: “Living with dementia can often seem frightening and lonely for patients and their family and friends.
“This campaign showcases the excellent local organisations which help to support people and connect them with experienced and friendly people who are passionate about living well with dementia.”
The health collaborative is made up of Wychavon District Council, Worcestershire County Council, NHS Trusts, schools, GP practices, police and fire representatives and voluntary, community and charity organisations.
Visit www.wychavon.gov.uk/wellbeing for more information.
