Barnsley Market traders have attended a number of dementia awareness sessions in a bid to help the community become more dementia friendly. People attended sessions put on by Dementia Action Alliance (DAA) at the Barnsley Shop on Cheapside on 8th and 15th of July as the town shows continued aspiration to improve public, community and workforce understanding of dementia.
Richard Brocklehurst, DAA coordinator in Barnsley delivers sessions that help local businesses and traders become dementia friendly, tackling the stigma of the disease so that people living with dementia can remain in the community longer and live well with the condition.
The sessions focus on what it’s like to be living with dementia and the problems and difficulties people suffering from the disease may face.
Dr Nick Balac, local GP and Chair of NHS Barnsley CCG, said: “Building a dementia friendly community can make such a difference to people’s lives and it’s excellent that local traders have taken part.
“We want to raise awareness of dementia and reduce the stigma that can often exist. Helping people keep their independence has a huge impact on their quality of life and general health.”
The DAA coordinator position has been funded by NHS Barnsley CCG for the last 12 months. During this time, Dementia Action Alliance has provided dementia awareness training to over 90 organisations in Barnsley. Taking part in sessions recognises attendees as a dementia friend.