In the run-up to World Mental Health Day, David Warburton MP for Frome met with members of Frome’s Dementia Awareness Alliance (DDA) to discuss ways in which businesses and shops in the town can increase their understanding of the needs of those living with dementia and help make Frome a dementia-friendly environment.
Frome’s DDA was formed by four local Dementia Friends Champions who felt there was a need to create a link between the support and services on offer for people living with dementia. The aims of the DDA include enabling people living with dementia to remain independent and retain choice and control over their lives in a dignified manner; to raise awareness of dementia by creating Dementia Friends among local shop owners and their staff, schools, community groups and local church groups, and to help reduce the stigma around dementia and listen to the needs of local people living with this challenging condition.
David Warburton MP said, “We need to improve the environment for and support the needs of those living with dementia in Frome. There are many incredibly simple but hugely effective ways in which local shops and businesses can help minimize the difficulties faced by dementia-sufferers. For example, simply changing the colour of a door-mat or enhancing signage in shops makes a big difference to the day-to-day lives of those living with dementia.
“The Frome DDA is dedicated to raising awareness of dementia in Frome and how the lives of those affected can be greatly improved by small changes in the shopping and business environment. I urge Frome’s businesses to get in touch with the DDA to find out about the simple training sessions available for staff and many other highly effective techniques to make Frome a Dementia Champion town.”
For further information about how to help make Frome a dementia-friendly environment, please contact Sean McCabe at Frome Dementia Action Alliance at fromedaa@gmail.com