Following an announcement by newly elected Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Councillor Colin Race, that he has chosen to support the Alzheimer’s Society as his charity during his term in office, Bishop Auckland Town Council has pledged to become a ‘Dementia Friend’, to help raise awareness of the issues affecting people living with dementia.
The Council aims to make Bishop Auckland a Dementia Friendly town, by encouraging individuals and businesses to become Dementia Friends.
Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, and more than half of this figure have Alzheimer’s disease. It has been estimated that in less than 10 years a million people will be living with dementia in the UK. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
Councillor Race said, “I am delighted that the Council is supporting my charity by becoming Dementia Friends. People with dementia want to carry on going about their daily lives and feeling included in their local community, but they sometimes need a helping hand to do so.
“Anyone can become a Dementia Friend, it’s not about volunteering or fundraising. It involves learning a little bit about dementia and turning that understanding into action. This could be helping someone find the right bus or being patient in a till queue if someone with dementia is taking longer to pay. Every action counts.”
Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Society, said, “We are delighted that Councillor Race is giving his time to support the Alzheimer’s Society. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like Councillor Race to help us continue our vital work.
“Please back Councillor Race and Bishop Auckland Town Council in their fundraising and awareness raising efforts so that the Alzheimer’s Society can continue leading the fight against dementia.”
The Mayor is starting his fundraising efforts by holding an ‘At Home with the Mayor’ tea and cream scone function at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, on Wednesday 23rd July from 2pm – 3.30pm.
If you would like to support Councillor Race and the Alzheimer’s Society by attending the event, or if you would like to pledge your support with a donation, phone Bishop Auckland Town Council on 01388 609852.
Tickets cost £5 and include tea/coffee and a strawberry cream scone.
If you are a business or organisation in the Bishop Auckland Area and are interested in becoming Dementia Friendly, contact the Town Council office.
For more information on the subject, visit www.dementiafriends.org.uk.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
