University students asked to confront dementia as part of national campaign
As part of Dementia Awareness Week (15-21 May), the University of Bradford is encouraging students and staff to pledge how they will confront dementia.
The University in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Society will be hosting a pop-up photo booth where students and staff will be encouraged to have their photo taken whilst displaying a card with their dementia pledge on. This year’s campaign focuses on how people can confront worries by addressing dementia directly and by contacting the Alzheimer's Society for information and support.
Clare Mason, Dementia Care Trainer at the , University of Bradford said: “Everyone can make small steps to confront dementia by talking about it, finding out about it and educating themselves. We hope to get as many people as possible to make their pledge and get behind the campaign.”
The photo booth will be in the Atrium, Richmond Building on 18 May, 12.30pm - 2.15pm and photos will be shared on social media as part of the national campaign.
Paul Smithson, Services Manager for the Alzheimer’s Society in Bradford said “There will be over 1 million people with dementia by 2020 and this will continue to increase. This will affect all of us whether we develop dementia, are a carer, relative health or social care professional.
“Whatever our age, we need to be confronting dementia now to support those people currently affected by dementia and ensure there are treatments, services and ultimately a cure for people in the future.
"As part of our photo-booth challenge, we will be inviting people to have a photo taken which will be uploaded and circulated via twitter to show people's commitment in challenging dementia. We also really want to beat the number of photos taken by our colleagues in Keighley and ilkley."
As part of Dementia Awareness Week, the University is also holding Dementia Detective sessions the following week, where students will have the opportunity to learn from some of the leading experts in the field how to support people to live well with dementia and by attending the workshop will become a Dementia Friend, a valuable addition to their CV.
To book on to these sessions visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dementia-detectives-tickets-24683663502
The University of Bradford was presented with a coveted Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its world-leading work to improve the lives of people living with dementia.
For more information visit the website.