Making a Dementia Friendly Surrey

A collaborative approach Funded by and A Dementia Friendly Surrey recognises and values the diversity among individuals with dementia and their carers, empowers them to have a strong individual and collective voice with which to communicate their needs and preferences and is responsive to these, makes sure they are safe both inside and outside their home, and promotes their inclusion in all aspects of community life. Our thanks go to the Plymouth Dementia Action Alliance whose vision statement we have adapted.

Our objectives Deliver basic dementia awareness training Fund a range of local projects through an Innovation Fund Support organisations to use the national recognition scheme logo Raise public awareness through a wide-ranging campaign Recruit Dementia Friendly Surrey Champions Increase the number of peer support groups where there are gaps

Training Free of charge training - community groups, businesses , golf clubs , garden centres and other organisations. Understanding dementia - the challenges it brings and how we can help people in our community. Over 850 people and 100 organisations - Police, banks, housing associations, District/Borough Councils and voluntary organisations Three types: cascade course, short courses (tailored) and self-study pack

Innovation Fund Targeted awareness in Gypsy/Traveller communities Targeted awareness for BME groups Countywide projects Reading group Befriending scheme Singing group Intergenerational project Peer support groups, for carers and people with dementia Art activities and therapies Alzheimer's Cafe Understanding dementia installation Local projects

Community Awareness Campaign Intensive campaign activity in September 2013 and 2014 New suite of publicity materials to over 2,000 venues. Myth busting booklets to 70,000 addresses. Engagement – stalls at 20 different conferences/events and presentations made to 150 national, local and team meetings Positive media coverage - local and national Dementia Diaries to all schools

Benefits Reduced social isolation and improved wellbeing of the person with dementia and carers. Greater awareness - supporting increase in presentation to primary care and diagnosis rate. A wider range of activities and support for people with dementia and their carers. Benefits for the wider community of vulnerable including older people, families with children, people with other disabilities.

Don’t just take it from us...... “Be more aware/less prejudice.” Surrey Sports Park “I'd encourage others to go on this training, I can see ...it would help handle situations sensitively with residents/customers I come into contact with” Local authority employee “Professional, informative and varied... we go away feeling a little more confident in dealing with dementia appropriately...that, surely, is the objective!” GP Practice Manager

CHALLENGES Demonstrating relevance to local business and schools Sustainability Equity of Peer Support Groups across the county Legacy with Champions The Surrey landscape (geography) Innovation fund – best laid plans Public awareness – did it impact in a positive way?

Legacy and sustainability Dementia Friendly Towns Engage shops, businesses, voluntary sector and GP surgery staff Create places of safety in the town Delivering public awareness for residents Accessible public facilities, signage, toilets within existing resources Promoting citizen support systems.