Dementia friends campaign can make a real difference
NHS England today welcomes the launch of the campaign by Public Health England and the Alzheimer’s Society aimed at encouraging people to sign up as Dementia Friends.
The campaign aims to recruit one million friends by 2015 through educating people and raising awareness about dementia and the things that can make a difference to someone with the condition.
People can become a Dementia Friend for free by either watching a short on-line video or attending a 45 minute face-to-face briefing by a Dementia Friends Champion.
By registering online to become a Dementia Friend, people will receive a Dementia Friends badge and a ‘little book of friendship’ – which is a free 60 page booklet detailing ideas and tips on how to help someone living with dementia.
Professor Alistair Burns, National Clinical Director for Dementia for NHS England, said: “NHS England welcomes this incredibly valuable campaign which will raise the awareness of dementia across the country.
“I would strongly encourage people to sign up to become a dementia friend and encourage their friends and family to sign up too. Most of us know, or know of someone with dementia and becoming a dementia friend is a positive sign of support.”