A Darlington woman with dementia is helping Alzheimer’s Society to raise awareness of the condition among businesses and other organisations in the town.
Lorraine Dunn, 68, who was diagnosed with dementia six years ago, is leading a group that aims to debunk myths about the condition and give those living with it a voice in the community.
Dementia Voice Darlington, part of Dementia Friendly Darlington, will hold its first meeting at the town’s Dolphin Centre on Thursday, September 22 – and former special needs teacher Lorraine is urging others like her to attend.
She said: “We want people from Darlington who are either living well with dementia, or have been recently diagnosed, to be part of the group.
“There’s still a lack of awareness about dementia. Those with the condition tend to get ‘lumped together’ and written off as people who have things done for them, rather than being proactive and able to do things for themselves.
“However, many people can live well with dementia, especially in the early stages. We are capable of making decisions and being creative.
Read more: Woman with dementia helps to make North East Airport more inclusive
“Dementia Voice Darlington is all about empowerment and engagement with others in the community to help us find ways for people with dementia to shape how businesses and organisations can better meet our needs.
“Our first meeting will be very relaxed – more of a social occasion and informal chit-chat really. We’ll use it to get to know one another and to talk about what we want to achieve as a group.”
Lorraine has first-hand experience of helping businesses to become more dementia-friendly. Earlier this year she worked closely with staff at Teesside International Airport.
She carried out an audit of the customer journey, suggesting changes to signage, lighting, layout and other aspects of the environment to make it more welcoming and inclusive for people with dementia.
Belinda Williams, Dementia Friendly Communities Coordinator for Alzheimer’s Society in Darlington, said: “It is fantastic that Lorraine is leading Dementia Voice Darlington, inspiring people with, and affected by, the condition to use their lived experience to influence change.
“Our hope is to encourage people to share experiences and insights with their peers, develop skills and lead the way in making Darlington a place where people with dementia are included, respected, and can live well in our community.”
Dementia Voice Darlington’s first meeting will take place on Thursday, September 22, at 11:30am at the Dolphin Centre on Horse Market, Darlington.
Anyone wanting to find out more can contact Dementia Friendly Darlington at 07483 137521 or email Belinda Williams at belinda.williams@alzheimers.org.uk.
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