Huge demand for Wearside dementia event

ORGANISERS of a conference about important changes to dementia services on Wearside have asked people who plan to attend to register first, after news of the event was met with huge demand.

Dementia Into the Future has been organised by Action on Dementia Sunderland, to discuss the city’s Royal Hospital’s plans for dementia services, as well as changes to the Care Act and how people with the condition will be cared for.

We expect people in the early stages of the condition and their families and friends may wish to attend to find out more about what help is available in the city.

Ernie Thompson, chairman of Action on Dementia Sunderland

Chairman Ernie Thompson said the free event at the Stadium of Light, which takes place next Thursday, was likely to attract a lot of people, after a previous event two years ago saw almost 90 attend.

He said: “It was a tremendous attendance last time and we have hired a meeting space at the stadium that will take about the same number.

“But we are expecting a lot of demand, so it would help us if people who plan to attend register with us to help us make plans for the meeting.”

Other topics to be discussed will be an update on medical research into dementia, how members of the public can get involved in the planning of dementia services and how health and social services’ plans will work together.

A full programme has been arranged by Action on Dementia Sunderland, and experts will be on hand to discuss any issues people may have about dementia care.

It is estimated that more than 3,400 people in Sunderland are living with dementia, with that figure set to rise to almost 4,000 by 2020.

Mr Thompson added: “We expect people in the early stages of the condition and their families and friends may wish to attend to find out more about what help is available in the city.

“There is still some stigma about dementia, but we want to help people understand more about what it means and to offer education.”

To register to attend the event, which takes place from 2pm on Thursday and includes free refreshments, email actionondementiasunderland@gmail.com or phone 521 1438.