Taunton Dementia Action Alliance
Background:
Taunton is the county town of Somerset. Taunton forms part of the larger borough of Taunton Deane which also includes the town of Wellington and surrounding villages. While Taunton Deane is mainly rural, including the Somerset Levels which were so impacted by flooding in 2014, Taunton itself is a central hub in the area with excellent transport links both rail and road. Taunton is home to the Somerset County Cricket Ground.
Population is approximately 65, 000, and with an estimated prevalence of people living with dementia close to 2,000, it was decided that more focus was needed to support people living with dementia, outside of the statutory services already provided.
History
A group of local businesses and organisations came together to identify what they could do to support people with dementia as part of their normal business activities. As well as consulting with people with dementia through meetings at local Memory Cafés, we have the Taunton Deane Council strategy and the Somerset Council identified priorities based on well researched intelligence to guide us on what is already in place or planned. The need to develop Taunton as dementia friendly town was identified by the Destination Taunton group who represent both retail, social enterprises and local council in the county town. Richard Holt a member of the destination group , who also runs the Creative Innovation Centre CIC (Community Interest Company) recognized the need for further support for older people, and as well as hosting University of the 3rd Age, has put in place activities which include people with dementia. To further establish a dementia friendly community, he has come forward to establish and chair the local Dementia Action Alliance.
Aims:
- Through a research campaign, identify the needs of local carers and people with dementia in the Taunton area. This will be done via a series of questionnaires, talks at ‘Memory Cafés’, Care providers and linked to other support organisations in the Taunton area.
- Working with Dementia Friends Champions, raise awareness of Dementia in the various businesses and retail outlets within the area, including leisure facilities which have been identified through discussions with people living with dementia
- Contact local networks such as Rotary Club, Free masons, NHS, Care providers, Destination Taunton, Faith and ethnic groups and ask them to promote dementia awareness information sessions.
- Target awareness campaign for local schools and colleges in Taunton
In order to achieve this, the Steering Group will develop a communications strategy
Meetings
While establishing the Dementia Action Alliance, we currently hold Steering Group meetings on a monthly basis, typically after the Tea Dance which is held in the CICCIC venue at the Memorial Hall, Paul Street, TA1 3PF on the first Thursday of the month.
How to join:
Contact Richard Holt
Email: richard@ciccic.co.uk
Tel: 01823 337477