Senses will tingle when a dementia awareness day returns for a second year this May.
Dementia Well-being Day, which is organised by the Hull Dementia Collaborative, will take place on 24 May from 10am to 3pm at the Main Deck of Princes Quay Shopping Centre.
Through displays and activities the event will explore our five senses in order to highlight all aspects of dementia wellbeing, from emotional and physical health to carer support.
June Cooke, of Butterflies Memory Loss Support group, commented:
“We all recognise the importance and enjoyment in reminiscing, but for someone with dementia it can feel uncomfortable to focus on memory.
“Using tactile senses, like touch, smell, sound, sight and taste, we can help people to engage and look back in a way that’s comfortable for them. By concentrating in this way people can enjoy using their remaining senses rather than worrying about what they have lost.”
“With this in mind, the event is going to be filled with lots of engaging activities, from dance to music and art. It really will be a sensation for the senses!”
The event aims to help people who live with dementia and their carers to lead happier and healthier lives by connecting them with local services and groups.
Throughout the day visitors will be able to meet NHS, charity, community and voluntary groups in a friendly environment and discover what local services are on offer for people with dementia and their families.
Dr Hari Symes, local GP and Primary Care Lead for Dementia, said:
“Being diagnosed with dementia can be overwhelming. It’s a disease that has a huge impact on your life and the lives of your family, friends and carers too. That’s why it’s important for us to support loc
al people who are affected by dementia as much as we can.
“If you’re living with dementia, or if you want to find out more about the illness, we invite you to join us at Princes Quay. There will be lots of local services who can share what they do and help you to get the best support possible, making life a little easier for those affected by dementia.”
The day will be packed with activities including: wheel chair dancers, a choir, vintage fashion and an art competition which is being judged by the curator of the Ferens Gallery, Kirsten Simister. There will also be a few celebrities dropping in throughout the day, including Val Wood and local sporting heroes.
The Hull Dementia Collaborative is made up of health, social care and voluntary organisations from across Hull, plus people with dementia and their carers.
A full agenda for the day is available by visiting www.hullccg.nhs.uk. Members of the public are invited to attend the Lower Deck at Princes Quay from 10am – 3pm.
Various activities and performances will take place during the event and no booking is required; attendees can spend as long or as little at the event as they wish.
