A NUMBER of events and initiatives are being launched across Salford as part of National Dementia Week.
The week takes place between the 15th and 21st of May and is seen by those at Salford Clinical Commissioning Group as an opportunity to highlight the growing problem of dementia.
The illness has been highlighted as a health and social care priority following Greater Manchester devolution.
Thirty thousand people live with the disease in Greater Manchester, 2250 of those in Salford and Dementia United is a new taskforce being set up with the aim of making the region the best in the world for people with dementia to live by 2020.
The Salford CCG helps to make decisions on where healthcare should be focused in the city and due to the ageing population, which makes the condition a greater concern, and Greater Manchester’s aims for the next five years, the week is being made prominent by the group.
As part of the week a new app has been launched helping those impaired by dementia to navigate their way around Salford.
The app, The Salford Way, will provide a guide to shops, services and businesses that welcome people with the disease and have an understanding of the disease.
Joy Watson, 57, of Eccles is a sufferer of early-onset dementia and said: “We want to encourage as many businesses as possible to sign up and show that they are committed to becoming a part of a dementia-friendly Salford.”
Dr Jenny Walton, clinical lead for older people at Salford CCG, said: “Salford is a leading light in the country in its support of people living with dementia, not just in how we support our residents but also how we’ve embraced innovation and technology.”
Salford CCG are teaming up with Salford University to produce ‘Embracing the Dementia challenge in Salford’ which has been produced by sufferers of the disease.
It’s aim is to spread the word of what is happening in Salford to aid sufferers and their families.
Dr Tracey Williamson, reader in public involvement at the Salford Institute for Dementia said: “The event has been designed by people living with dementia and is focused on what a person’s journey through dementia may look like.”
Natalie Yates-Bolton, from the Salford Institute for Dementia at the University of Salford, said: “Events like this are wonderful opportunities for people living with dementia to share ideas and support each other.”
Various events are running throughout the week and details of all of these can be found at www.salfordccg.nhs.uk/dementia-awareness-week-2016.
By Matt Henderson
@MattHenderson92
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