Dementia Friends Sessions – Today, J & J Systems staff and guests had a session with a  Dementia Champion  to bring awareness to us about dementia in a broader manner.  Thought provokingly , this made us consider that this could be affecting our clients and their employees, our suppliers and even  in the future our own staff.

The session was informative, fun and really well presented to us  by our Champion.  For myself, first hand experience of Dementia with my Dad gives me  a massive amount of passion. Especially when I see the wider community behave differently towards people with symptoms of Dementia. Often can be those who are not ‘elderly’.

Were the staff in the local shops more aware, perhaps my Father would not have finished the day with three lots of the same shopping.

The Dementia Friends initiative is a small step, to spark the interest and increase the knowledge of our staff. Perhaps when they see a person worried about their footing on a perfectly sound floor. Other signs to look for are ‘looking lost’ or struggling with communication. They might just remember  some parts of today’s session. Understanding a little more how to help and support the person suffering and make their quality of life better.

At the end the  session the attendees are encouraged to take an action as every action makes a difference. My pledge is to wear my badge and to tell five friends about the Dementia Friends initiative… and jam it on social media and everywhere I can.

IF you are interested in making a difference, you should find a Dementia Friends sessions near you. For more information you can click HERE   

#DAW2016