BBC News, West Midlands
BBC Hereford & Worcester
BBC
In a commendable effort to spread awareness and support, Rick Deller, a district councillor from Droitwich, Worcestershire, has initiated a series of educational workshops on dementia. These gatherings aim to make the town more inclusive and supportive for those living with the condition and their caregivers.
The Inspiration Behind the Workshops
Deller’s motivation stems from his father Graham’s diagnosis with dementia. Seeking ways to improve quality of life for people like his father, Deller has become an advocate for dementia awareness and support.
First Workshop Successfully Held
The inaugural workshop took place on Wednesday and was followed by another session on Friday. Hosted by Age UK Wyvern at Droitwich Spa Council For Voluntary Service (CVS), the event attracted a range of attendees, including charities, community groups, and volunteers.
Impact and Future Plans
Rick Deller expressed enthusiasm about the success of the first workshop, noting that it is just the beginning. He plans to expand his efforts, including connecting with schools and hosting more events around town to engage further with the community.
Impact on Carers and Community
One of the participants, Nicky Roberts, a carer, praised the workshops, calling them “brilliant.” She emphasized the need for greater openness around dementia, noting that stigma often prevents proper understanding and support.
“There’s a lot of stigma around it; there are a lot of people confused about how people with dementia are living their everyday lives,” Roberts said. “Someone may come across drunk, or they may come across with a speech impediment. They may not have those things; it may just be that they are living with dementia, and they’re just completely misread.”
Municipal Support for the Cause
Alex Sinton, the mayor of Droitwich, shared his personal experiences related to dementia. Having watched both his grandmother and mother-in-law battle with the condition, Sinton understands its profound impact and stresses its importance in raising awareness.
“She was a highly intelligent lady,” he said about his mother-in-law. “When she retired from being a headteacher, she did a degree in art history and actually became a lecturer in art history. That’s how bright she was, and that’s why I think it’s vitally important that… we are all very aware of [dementia]. Events like this are vitally important.”
