Last month, a dementia event funded by Mid Sussex District Council’s Local Community Network brought together people living with dementia and their carers for a day of information, advice and lunch.
Organised for the Mid Sussex Older Peoples Council, the event featured talks and information from a wide range of organisations including the Alzheimer’s Society, Raise Your Voice dementia singing project, Sussex Police, Brighton and Hove Buses, Carers Support, Tu Vida, Age UK’s dementia team, Wakehurst dementia walks, and Martlet Manor Care Home. Good Oaks Home Care also attended to offer support, and several local social prescribers were on hand throughout the day.
Sussex Police brought information on the Herbert Protocol, which encourages carers and family members to complete a vital information form about a vulnerable person living with dementia in case they go missing. A form can be found at www.medicalert.org.uk or phone 01908 951045.
Brighton and Hove Buses talked about how all their frontline drivers are trained Dementia Friends to enable patience and understanding, and explained that the buses’ seating, lighting, flooring, and announcements are all designed to be dementia friendly. They brought information on their Helping Hand Scheme card, which you can show to a driver discreetly with a brief written instruction of what assistance you need. To apply for one phone 01273 886200 or go to www.buses.co.uk/helpinghand
Haywards Heath Deputy Mayor Cllr Bashar attended and gave a heartfelt speech to those present.