Barnet has been recognised as a community committed to becoming ‘dementia–friendly’ by the Alzheimer’s Society, which will help over 5,000 residents living with dementia in the borough.
A ‘Dementia Friendly Community’ is a place that creates an environment where people living with dementia will be confident that they can contribute to community life.
Barnet had the sixth highest recorded prevalence of dementia of all the London boroughs, and with an ageing population, the council expects over 7,000 people to live with it by 2040.
Cllr Alison Moore, chair of Barnet Health and Well-being board, said: ‘We’re determined to make Barnet a great place to live for people with dementia, which is why we’ve set up the Dementia Friendly Barnet Partnership to work with local organisations that are committed to taking action.’
‘This means working with residents, our voluntary and community sector, local businesses, and the NHS to improve support across the borough. We want to be a borough that serves and supports residents with dementia and their families, carers, and neighbours who put so much into their care and comfort.
Dr Tamara Djuretic, joint director of Public Health and Prevention at Barnet Council, said: ‘We have been consulting with people affected by dementia to develop a clear programme of action that will help people living with it to safely live the lives they want to, for as long as possible in Barnet.’
‘This programme recognises that becoming a dementia–friendly community is a huge task, which will take several years. But it is a shared responsibility across our communities to help people living with dementia to live well and safely in Barnet.’
The partnership initially prioritises arts and culture venues and leisure centres, faith communities and local high street businesses giving the information and training they need to become dementia–friendly.
