SOMERTON AREA DEMENTIA ACTION ALLIANCE
LAUNCHES AT WESSEX HOUSE
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| SADAA Committee, friends and community contacts celebrate the launch. (Photo courtesy Len Copland) |
There are already 100 Dementia Friends in Somerton, a figure which SADAA is hoping will rise to 500. During the launch event guests were able to find out more about SADAA.
The new 'Safe Places' scheme was introduced by Ivor Dixon, who explained that the scheme enables anyone living with dementia to feel safe in the town, knowing that there are places of refuge where they can go or be taken that will be sympathetic to their requirements. Boots the Chemist have already trained their staff to Dementia Friends standard, and Wessex House have committed to training all of their staff over the next few months.
SADAA’s ‘Safe Places’ scheme would not be possible without the involvement and cooperation of Avon and Somerset Police, who provide a legal framework and make the decision to move someone who is lost or confused to a place of safety. They have a Safe Places scheme of their own across the Avon and Somerset area, and SADAA are hoping to connect the new scheme into this so that SADAA’s ‘Safe Places’ become part of their network.
Dementia Champion Shirley Chapman then presented information on the Dementia Friends Awareness Sessions which began in April, with further sessions planned for 25th June at 10.30am and 17th July at 6pm at ACEArts. Shirley Chapman said, “We are delighted that SADAA has now formally been launched, and are grateful to everyone who is helping us to reach our goal of having 500 Dementia Friends in Somerton.” For further information contact SADAA at somertondaa@gmail.co.
