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Denmark making the move to become more dementia-friendly within community

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Kellie BalaamAlbany Advertiser
Denmark has established a Dementia Friendly Alliance group which will work to raise awareness and reduce stigma around dementia.
Camera IconDenmark has established a Dementia Friendly Alliance group which will work to raise awareness and reduce stigma around dementia. Credit: Getty Images, ivanastar

Living with dementia can be challenging for those whose daily activities are affected.

To help with this struggle and to reduce stigma in the community, Denmark has established a Dementia Friendly Alliance group which will work to raise awareness of the condition.

The Shire of Denmark successfully obtained a grant in June last year to help form the group as part of the Dementia Friendly Communities project funded by Dementia Australia.

After delays because of COVID-19, the members are preparing to get back to work.

DFA has developed an action plan that aims to increase the community’s understanding of dementia and provide social opportunities for people living with the disease.

Shire community development officer Claudia Simpson said the action plan was a joint effort by the alliance members.

“The strategies were developed using feedback received during our Dementia Friendly Community Conversations held in September and October 2019, where approximately 60 community members participated,” Ms Simpson, pictured, said.

“The strategies were developed with assistance from our Dementia Advisory Group, which is comprised of community members living with dementia.”

DFA consists of 10 comm-unity members, including two people living with dementia who will act as advisers on group initiatives.

The Denmark Dementia Friendly Community Action Plan includes community awareness sessions.

The newly trained Denmark community hosts will hold sessions at various locations including the Denmark Community Resource Centre, Amaroo, Probus, and the Men’s Shed.

The group is also offering free fitness sessions for people with dementia, run by exercise physiologist Ruth McConigley.

For details call 9848 0300.

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