Residents and professionals are invited to a free dementia conference at Venue 360 in Gypsy Lane on Friday 29 November.
The aim of the conference is for local businesses and agencies to come together to look at ways to improve the quality of life, as well as the care and support available to those affected by dementia.
The theme of the conference is ‘Making Luton a Dementia Friendly Community’ and there will be a number of discussions about how everyone can work together to raise awareness of dementia within the community and remove some of the stigma that is often attached to it.
The conference also marks the official launch of the Luton Dementia Action Alliance which will be supported by Luton Borough Council and the Alzheimer’s Society, along with other local organisations as they become involved.
Building on Luton’s 2010 Dementia Strategy, the alliance will be developing a programme of work which aims to make a real difference to the lives of people with dementia and their families and carers.
Cllr Mahmood Hussain, Portfolio Holder for adult social care, said: “With the number of people with dementia expected to double in the next 30 years, it is fast becoming one of the most important issues we face as our population ages.
“I therefore encourage as many people as possible to come along to discuss, learn and share ideas about how we can all work together to drive improvements in support for those people living with dementia and create a dementia friendly community.
“A dementia friendly community is one that shows a high level of public awareness and understanding, so that people with dementia and their carers seek help so they can remain as independent as possible and have choice and control over their lives.
The conference runs from 9.30am-12.30pm at the Riverside Suite at Venue 360 (formerly Vauxhall Brach), 20 Gypsy Lane, Luton.
Following the conference there will be a ‘Dementia Friends’ training session from 1.30-2.30pm where people can learn a little bit more about what it’s like to live with dementia and how to turn that understanding into action.
Cllr Hussain added: “A ‘Dementia Friend’ is someone who turns their understanding of the condition into a positive action.
“This can range from helping someone to find the right bus to simply spreading the word about dementia on social media.”
>For more information or to book a place visit www.luton.gov.uk/dementia or call 01582 54 78 25 or 54 76 46.