Registrations have opened for a regional dementia awareness conference that will be held in Peasedown St John in May.
Organised by the Peasedown Community Trust and sponsored by homecare provider Bluebird Care, the conference will feature keynote speakers, information stalls, networking, a tasty lunch and an opportunity to meet charity leaders and experts working in the field of dementia research and awareness.
The village’s local councillors Cllr Karen Walker and Cllr Gavin Heathcote (Independents, Peasedown), said:
“We’re thrilled to be hosting this conference in Peasedown St John.
Every three minutes, someone in the UK will develop dementia. With dementia on the rise, communities across the country are making a stand, and Peasedown St John is no different.
Since 2019, more than 400 residents have attended one of the Peasedown Community Trust’s dementia awareness workshops. They have been instrumental in raising the profile of the work we’re doing in the village – which will be showcased at this special regional conference in May.”
Keynote speakers include a representative from Bluebird Care, who will share advice and information about caring for a loved one living with dementia.
A huge range of organisations will also be present for delegates to meet, including:
· The Rainbow Care Group
· ReMind UK
· Darcy Gardens: The Barchester
· Dementia Challenge Curo Services
· The Royal United Hospital
· B&NES Live Well
· Appleton Nutrition
· Older People’s Voice
· B&NES Adult Social Services
· Forgot Me Not Club
· Alzheimer’s Society
· Companions Who Care
· Care UK
The conference is completely free for anyone who would like to attend thanks to sponsorship provided by Bluebird Care.
Nathan Hartley, Director of the Community Connectors initiative, is this year’s conference facilitator. He said:
“We’re delighted to have Bluebird Care’s support for this year’s conference. It means a lot to us and our work to create a dementia friendly community across Bath & North East Somerset.
There are currently 900,000 people in the UK living with dementia, and that figure is set to rise to 2 million by 2050.
One in four people will be affected by dementia in their lifetimes, especially those diagnosed with clinical anxiety in middle age, which is why it’s important to work with individuals and their families to try and make life much easier for those who have it.”
Peasedown St John’s third annual Dementia Awareness Regional Conference, ‘Creating A Dementia Friendly Community’, will be held on Tuesday 19th May, 10am – 3pm at St John’s Church, Church Road (BA2 8AA).
Registration for delegates is now open. Anyone who’d like to attend should contact the Peasedown Community Trust to RSVP by Friday 15th May by emailing peasedowncommunitytrust@gmail.com.
