This week (15 – 21 May) is Dementia Action Week and Milton Keynes City Council is highlighting the network of local support on offer.
The City Council is working closely with local charities, businesses, and organisations to improve life for those living with dementia. The council-led partnership is working on a broad range of city-wide and local community projects, ranging from improvements to signage and building design through to new training and education programmes.
Next month, a one-day event created by the City Council will bring together local organisations with residents who have dementia, their family, and carers. ‘Talking Dementia’ will be held at Christ the Cornerstone Church on Friday 30 June and will include speakers and activity workshops alongside opportunities to speak with professionals. The FREE event will be open to all MK residents plus their friends and family who want to learn more.
Dementia impacts hundreds of families across our city including my own and we want people to know they are not alone by becoming a dementia friendly city. Supported by local organisations including Thames Valley Police, the NHS and Dementia UK, our local partnership aims to ensure that MK is a good place to live for people with dementia and those who support them. If you or a loved one have concerns about dementia, it’s worth getting in touch to understand the help that is available.
The City Council funds Admiral Nurses to support families across the city. To date, these specialist dementia nurses have already helped hundreds of local families who have been affected by various forms of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease.
Admiral Nurses can be contacted for information and advice by email at AdmiralNurseTeam@milton-keynes.gov.uk. You can also speak to Admiral Nurses by calling 01908 253 772.
MK’s Admiral Nurse team works alongside the City Council commissioned Dementia Information and Support Service (DISS) which is staffed by trained dementia support workers who offer help to residents including those who are newly diagnosed. DISS offers advice around benefits and healthcare as well as practical and emotional guidance on managing the condition.
To find out more about local support for people living with dementia and their families, please visit the council’s dedicated webpage.
(Above) Councillor Emily Darlington with her nan, who lived with dementia.