Dementia awareness
For information on what is available locally contact Lena Maller on
- [email protected]
- Tel: 01594 812609
Or contact Managing Memory Together in Gloucestershire. Whatever your query or question, the Managing Memory Together Team will do their best to answer and support you:
- [email protected]
- Tel: 0800 694 8800
Dementia awareness sessions
We can provide free, informal Dementia Awareness sessions to individuals, community groups, schools and organisations. This training helps you to better understand the condition and how you might better communicate with those living with dementia.
The sessions are online, please email [email protected] to find out more. Include your name, telephone number and where in Gloucestershire you live. We will send you joining instructions when you email us to book.
The 'Let's Talk Dementia' board game was developed with other members of the Forest of Dean Dementia Action Alliance. They are in every library in the county and can be booked out free similar to a book.
Forest of Dean Dementia Action Alliance
The Forest of Dean District Council is a member of the Forest of Dean Dementia Action Alliance which is a partnership of organisations and individuals who are working to:
- make sure that everyone in the district living with dementia is respected and can continue to enjoy living their lives in their own community as well as possible for as long as possible
- support the wider community to understand dementia and inspire and enable people to do things which contribute to a dementia friendly community, which are generally more welcoming communities
- develop a network of local community champions who will support each other and the wider community
The Forest of Dean Dementia Action Alliance (FODDAA) is made up of individuals, statutory organisations, voluntary groups, businesses etc - people who are using their skills, knowledge, connections and time to help others. Everyone can make a difference, if you would like to get involved or find out more please contact us (as above).
Pre-Covid-19 there were over 90 members in the FODDAA, the landscape has changed for many of these groups and organisations and we are slowing refreshing and regrouping.
Join the Forest of Dean District Dementia Action Alliance
We welcome support from across the community. If you are interested please contact us by emailing [email protected].
To support and enable dementia friendly communities across the district the Alliance is working over the following five areas:
FODDAA marketing strategy
Members are currently developing a plan and will be creating resources to better enable us to raise awareness and give information to the community.
Domestic abuse and dementia
Understanding domestic abuse in the context of dementia can be complex. It is important to understand the history and personality of the person with dementia. Alzheimer's UK recommend filling in a 'this is me' form.
Someone who has been a victim of domestic abuse and then develops dementia may find it much harder to come forward. Their experience of abuse and isolation may be increased. Dementia may also cause a victim to re-live trauma experienced by previous abuse.
Someone who had been abusive to their partner who then develops dementia may cause significant risk to the victim. They may try and exert their power and control over their partner or family member, and become more unpredictable. In these circumstances, please speak to adult social care and Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service.
If you would like leaflets to share with your organisation contact us by emailing [email protected].
View the following leaflet for further information and support for dementia and domestic abuse.
Dementia accessible places and spaces
We have been told by people living with dementia that making buildings more accessible to them would help so the Alliance has developed an interactive checklist so people can assess the accessibility of their community buildings and spaces. For more details please:
Give someone a twiddlemuff
Twiddlemuffs are knitted handmuffs that provide stimulation while promoting increased flexibility and brain stimulation. They provide comfort and reassurance for people with dementia. If you would like to give a twiddlemuff to someone please contact us.
Contact the Community Engagement Team
Contact the Community Delivery Lead if you would like to get involved in the Forest of Dean Dementia Action Alliance or if you need any other information (this is an interim measure):
- [email protected]
- Tel: 01594 812609