A summit looking at what can be done to transform North West Hampshire into a full dementia friendly zone will be hosted by Kit Malthouse MP in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society in Hampshire.
Businesses, charities, politicians and people living with dementia will be invited to the event, due to be held in Andover this autumn.
24,669 people in Hampshire have the condition and the current diagnosis rate is 60.7%, meaning an additional 16,446 people living in the region do not even know they have the condition.
After meeting with Alzheimer’s Society in Hampshire, Kit Malthouse, said: “I’ve heard first hand about the great job Alzheimer’s Society are doing in my constituency in trying to improve diagnosis rates and care for people with the condition. Currently, an estimated four in ten people with dementia in Hampshire do not receive a formal diagnosis. These people are more likely to become lonely and isolated and they need support, information and access to care.
“I have already worked with Andover Mind on their Dementia Friendly Hampshire campaign, and our collective ambition must be to transform North West Hampshire into a full dementia friendly zone, so I’m pleased to announce that I’ll be hosting a summit in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society to see what more we can practically do to achieve that – be it structured activities in safe spaces or more local shops receiving dementia awareness training.”
Jack Griffin lives with dementia and Kay is his wife and carer. They are in their 90s and live in Charlton: “The work of Alzheimer’s Society is vital for us. Jack and I have found that the support and friendship we experience makes a huge difference to our lives. We have lost touch with a lot of our friends and it helps to talk to others in a similar situation. A summit which looks at practical ways people like us can be helped is a very good idea, and we hope to get involved. Jack is always keen to talk about his life and share his experiences with others.”
Amber Reed, Operations Manager for Alzheimer’s Society in Hampshire, said: “Alzheimer’s Society’s local services can really help improve people’s quality of life. They give people with the condition and their carers the opportunity to socialise with others in similar situations and receive vital support. They are also a great source of information and guidance that will help people to live well with the condition. We should always be thinking about what more we can do to help people, and we look forward to holding the summit in partnership with local MP Kit Malthouse.”