EXCITEMENT is building for the launch of a groundbreaking community project in Barrow to demystify dementia and empower people living with diseases of the brain.

The newly formed Barrow Dementia Action Alliance are setting out their vision for the area at The Forum in Duke Street on Friday October 7 in a massive launch event for members of the public.

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The scheme hopes to transform people's attitude towards dementia, help more understand what it is and show how friends and family can support a person.


Barrow Dementia logo. The free drop-in event gets under way from 11am, with activities, stands and workshops all planned.

All welcome

There will be an opportunity for people to ask medical professionals questions if they suspect a loved one is showing signs of dementia, and people can take part in an awareness session and become an official Dementia Friend.

Fiona Cloherty, from Phoenix Business Centre, who is one of the project leaders, said: "We really want people to participate.

"The main focus for me is to get businesses engaged which is so important."

The alliance are calling on retailers to pledge their support and become members, taking advantage of opportunities to make their staff dementia aware and make the shopping experience for customers with dementia much more comfortable and stress free.

CLICK HERE: Eight facts about dementia

Guest speakers at the event are planned at noon and will include Dr Sam Jebur, GP dementia lead for south Cumbria at the Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group, and Phil Huck, Barrow Borough Council's executive director.

Other highlights at the event include a showing of the film 'Still Alice', legal advice from Progression Solicitors, chair-based exercises, advice on diet, and a memory clinic in the 'professional corner'.

Pamela Horobin, director of Progression Solicitors, said: "As advisors to young as well as older clients, awareness of dementia and being able to recognise and understand the challenges faced by people and their families who live with dementia is something that we as a firm of solicitors recognise as being very important.

"We are happy to be part of this and to further our knowledge and understanding."

Changing perceptions

Ali Hodson, from the Alzheimer's Society, said: "The whole point is for the community to have all the organisations round the table making a joined-up approach for people with dementia.

"It's not a huge commitment in time or resource but it's about feeling inclusive and supporting one another."

Almost 8,000 people are currently living with dementia in Cumbria, and the number is due to rise significantly over the next few decades.

Dementia is not a normal part of aging, however the majority of people with a diagnosis of a condition like Alzheimer's are over the age of 65.

Follow @nwemlive on Friday for live updates from the event.