KALC joins Alzheimer’s Society and KFRS to combat dementia

24 May 2018

Families, Community

KALC collaborates with Alzheimer's Society and KFRS to help combat dementia

(Issued jointly with Kent Association of Local Councils and Alzheimer’s Society)

Kent Association of Local Councils (KALC) has joined up with Alzheimer’s Society and Kent Fire & Rescue Service (KFRS) to help local communities across the county combat dementia in their local areas. At KFRS Service HQ on 24 May, the Chairman of KALC, Cllr Sarah Barker, and Jackie Swapp, Alzheimer’s Society Operations Manager for Kent and Medway, jointly signed a strategic commitment on dementia. KFRS was instrumental in developing the strategic commitment through its participation in the Prime Minister’s Challenge Group on Dementia Friendly Communities and bringing KALC and the Alzheimer’s Society together on this important national initiative.

KALC, Alzheimer’s Society and KFRS believe that Parish and Town Councils have the potential skills and understanding to make communities safer, more accessible and sustainable for all. We will work together to support our member Councils to achieve their potential and support their communities to fight against this disease.

By signing this very important strategic commitment, KALC will:

  • help our members develop the necessary awareness, skills and understanding to recognise and support people living with dementia in the communities we serve
  • work together and with our local partners to help maintain and improve the general safety, health and wellbeing of people living with dementia, their families and carers.
  • support Alzheimer’s Society in their quest to develop more Dementia Friendly Communities and Dementia Friends in line with the Prime Minister’s challenge on dementia
  • work with the Alzheimer’s Society and other recognised experts to share best practice and publicise effective policies, procedures, practices and training.

Jackie Swapp, Alzheimer’s Society Operations Manager for Kent and Medway said: “It is great to hear of the positive work happening in Kent, with KALC and Kent Fire and Rescue Service. This Dementia Action Week (21-27 May), we are calling on everyone to unite and take actions, big or small, to improve the everyday lives of people affected by dementia.”

“In the UK, one person develops dementia every three minutes and there are 23,921 people in Kent and Medway living with dementia. Almost everyone knows someone whose life has been affected. Yet too many people face the condition alone, without adequate support.

“Alzheimer’s Society is determined to change this and everyone has a part to play in creating a dementia-friendly UK, which is why it is so great to see KALC and Kent Fire and Rescue Service making this commitment to people affected by dementia. “

Cllr Sarah Barker, Chairman of KALC, said: “We are delighted to work with the Alzheimer’s Society and Kent Fire and Rescue Service in raising awareness and increasing understanding about dementia. Some of our local Councils are already involved in projects linked to raising dementia awareness. We will support them and all our member Councils in helping to alleviate the effects of local people living with dementia.”

Sean Bone-Knell, Director of Operations for KFRS and member of the Prime Minister’s Challenge Group on Dementia Friendly Communities, said: “We are delighted that KALC have joined blue light services and local councils in signing a strategic commitment on dementia, Parish and Town Councils are at the very heart of their community. I believe that with their valuable input and commitment we really can work towards building safer and more dementia friendly communities.”