Dementia Action Week event in Rayleigh raising awareness
The understanding of dementia has been boosted in Rayleigh thanks to a small band of volunteers led by local Councillors Elizabeth Brewer and Dawn Balding. Together they have formed the 'Inclusive Dementia Community’ (IDC) and received support from the Megacentre, Rayleigh Lions , Palmers Solicitors, Pine Tree Care Home, faith groups and many others. The Alzheimers Society gave them accreditation in 2024.
As part of their year round work the IDC recently completed 'Dementia Action Week' in Rayleigh taking the message direct to residents, raising awareness and letting the community know how they can help. In the process the IDC dressed the town with blue Forget-Me-Not flowers, the emblem of the Alzheimer Society, they also arranged illumination of Rayleigh’s iconic windmill in the emblem colour.
On market day the IDC had a stall, bringing together people from NHS, the Alzheimers Society, Kindness Essex, Palmers Solicitors, Pine Tree Care Home and the Chair of Rayleigh Town Council. Together they answered many questions from the public regarding the condition itself and how we could all help. Cllr. Brewer and the IDC team also took their stall to the Rochford Market in the same week.
IDC Chair Elizabeth Brewer said "We have achieved quite a lot over recent years; providing safe spaces and events for people living with dementia and assisting carers. A grant from Sanctuary Housing allowed us to run the Summer Cafe at Rayleigh's Trinity Church (held on two Mondays a month). ‘Dementia Friends’ can arrange in-person meetings to explain dementia and what help there is in the community. This work is also supported by the Alzheimer's Society who have a short online video, with information of many groups who can help. In the recent past we achieved limited free parking in Council car parks, educated shop and local business staff, as well as co-ordinating training for Councillors and staff. One of our main aims during the recent action week was to encourage people to seek early diagnosis where there are concerns and seeking help from their GP.
The local IDC group compiles a list of cafes, meetings and exercise groups for those living with dementia in our local area. This is available on request from Elizabeth Brewer by email CllrElizabeth.Brewer@rochford.gov.uk , by writing to her via either Rochford District Council or Rayleigh Town Council or by phone 07368 657397.
