Colchester United fans will be given the opportunity at Saturday’s game against Grimsby to meet members of Colchester Dementia Action Alliance (DAA) and commit to making the Borough more Dementia Friendly.
We are marking Essex Dementia Day this week by asking how we can all turn understanding into action and pledge to improving the lives of people and families affected by dementia.
Better awareness and understanding of dementia can have a huge impact.
You can act as an individual or through a business to contribute. For example, you can start by becoming a Dementia Friend.
Anyone can be a Dementia Friend. It only takes about an hour to take part in an awareness session and the session gives people a greater understanding of dementia and the small ways you can help people affected by it.
Sessions are held across Colchester every month and we will be working with the Weston Homes Community Stadium and other venues to host sessions for Colchester in the coming months.
If you run or work for an organization, the organization can join the DAA.
DAA’s are part of a national movement, introduced by the Alzheimer’s Society. Colchester DAA is a part of One Colchester, the local strategic partnership and is chaired by a charity, Community360.
Alliances exist to connect, share best practice and deliver joint projects. Since being formed in 2016, Colchester DAA has worked with over 25 organisations, including Colchester United and Colchester Borough Council, to access free training and support for staff and volunteers, to learn more about how to help people with dementia and start new projects.
Any business, charity or public body can be a member of a Dementia Action Alliance. You commit to doing three things that will make Colchester more dementia friendly. The Alliance will then support you and give you access to resources, many of which are free.
Look out for Alliance members at the game and happy to answer any questions. Alternatively, to find out more about the DAA or how to become a dementia friend, email information@community360.org.uk or call 01206 505250. To see more about the national movement visit https://www.dementiaaction.org.uk/ or https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/