A new group aiming to develop awareness of dementia across the city has been developed.
The Exeter Dementia Action Alliance (EDAA) will also strive to boost dementia support from businesses and other organisations within the city.
Some 850,000 people are currently diagnosed with dementia, and numbers are expected to increase significantly over the next 10 years.
The work in Exeter will involve listening to the voices of those with dementia and their caregivers.
Gina Awad, project lead of EDAA said: "Dementia is a progressive disease and those diagnosed and their caregivers need our support as a community. We have a range of passionate individuals on our Steering Group and with such a varied skill-set we hope to inspire local businesses/organisations to join up to the alliance by completing an online action plan illustrating two or three achievable actions. These might include running a free one hour dementia friends awareness session for their staff; support in how to communicate with individuals with dementia in a meaningful way; and discovering the everyday tasks that people find challenging in the community. Public transport has already been highlighted as a big concern and is currently being considered. We are endeavouring to work towards a more inclusive community where individuals with dementia and their caregivers are placed at the heart of our vision."
Gina said there is more to the person than the dementia – one of the key messages being told to the public across the country.
The Exeter alliance is looking for local organisations and businesses to get involved, as well as volunteers and individuals to assist in this growing initiative.
For more information, visit: www.devon.gov.uk/readingwell
