A MAJOR drive to make everybody dementia aware in Barrow was launched to huge crowds and support.

Volunteers behind the Barrow Dementia Action Alliance outlined their vision to bring people together and improve provision for those whose lives have been affected by diseases of the brain at The Forum in Duke Street.

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Barrow Dementia logo. Hundreds of people attended the launch event of the project on Friday, learning how they can be more dementia aware and accessing support for themselves and loved ones.

The Barrow Dementia Action Alliance hopes to start a joined-up approach in the Furness town so people know how to address people they suspect have dementia and where to turn to for help.

New vision

The big launch event featured guest speakers, stalls from organisations like Mind in Furness, Progression Solicitors and Furness Carers, and a professional corner with advice from doctors.

Outlining the vision for Barrow, Ali Hodson, from the Alzheimer's Society, said: "Everybody talks about a lack of money but you do not need deep pockets to make a community dementia friendly, you need an open mind and willingness to change.

"Reducing stigma and increasing dementia awareness doesn't come with a price tag.

"We want to create a group of organisations that help improve the quality of lives of people who are living with dementia."

Businesses, shops and schools can sign up to the alliance and pledge support to carry out actions such as staff becoming 'Dementia Friends' by attending a short session or changing the layout of buildings for customers.

Walney resident Madge Bazley, whose husband Eric, 86, has been transferred to Drewsbury due to there being nowhere available to care for his advanced dementia in south Cumbria said the launch of the Barrow project could only be a positive.

She said: "People don't realise there's so many different types of dementia. Everybody is saying it's getting like a cancer.

"This sort of event is really good."

Simple changes

Sion Jair, 66, of Larch Grove, Ulverston, who is living with Alzheimer's disease, told attendees at Friday's launch about how simple things can make a big difference.

He said: "The best type of medication is love and care. Being patient can make a big difference.

"I can't deal with money. I have to use a credit card. I really get flustered especially if I am holding everybody up.

"We all get ill at times. We have flu and colds but we are no less a person when we have got that illness – it's the same with Alzheimer's.

"We have got to tell people it's nothing to be ashamed of whatsoever."

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The retired engineer stressed it was more than possible to live well with dementia as he climbs up Coniston Old Man almost everyday.

At the launch, there were lots of activities to try such as meditation and gentle exercises put on by Nuffield Health, who have already adapted courses to be more dementia friendly, and a sing-a-long with the Alzheimer's Society's 'Singing for the Brain'.

Plan for improvement

Dr Sam Jebur, the GP lead for dementia in south Cumbria at Cumbria Clinicial Commissioning Group, also outlined her five-point plan to improve care in the area.

The plan covers developing clinical skills in early diagnosis and developing a service in the older adult psychiatry team.

Fiona Cloherty, from Phoenix Business Centre, has been one of the driving forces behind the launch of Barrow Dementia and was delighted by the huge turnout for its first event.

She said: "We hope we are going to take it forward and we are going to be successful."