Wrexham Council awarded “working towards becoming dementia friendly authority” status

Wrexham Council has been recognised for its ongoing work and efforts in becoming a dementia friendly authority.

A dementia friendly community is a place where those living with dementia are understood, respected, supported and able to live in the way they want and where they choose.

People with dementia have described a dementia friendly community as one that enables them to:

• Find their way around and be safe
• Access the local facilities that they are used to and where they are known (such as banks, shops, cafes, cinemas and post offices)
• Maintain their social networks so they feel they continue to belong

A series of initiatives have been taking place across the county borough to help Wrexham become a dementia friendly authority.

As a result of this work Wrexham Council has now been recognised as ‘Working towards becoming dementia friendly’ by the Alzheimer’s Society.

The work the council has been doing focuses on improving inclusion and quality of life through training and awareness raising within communities and organisations so they are better able to respond to the needs of those living with dementia and their carers.

Some of the work undertaken by Wrexham Council includes:

• Training small business owners, staff, PCSOs and members of the community in Holt
• Training School teachers, KS4 & KS6 children and scout groups
• Training departments within the council
• Training all members of our senior leadership team
• Organising the Dementia Tour Bus to visit the authority on a number of occasions
• Investment in a new unique training facility called Dementia Interpreter
• Holt and Chirk have become Dementia Friendly communities
• Opportunities for community based activity groups that benefit those living with dementia to receive small grants.
• Training drivers from a local taxi firm
• Launch of a book with schools called ‘Harry helps Grandpa remember’

If you would like to get in touch to either receive Dementia Friends Awareness session please contact – [email protected] or you may even be interested in entering the care industry to help care and support those living with Dementia please contact [email protected]