Our dementia friendly community

The Council is immensely proud that South Ribble is officially recognised as a dementia friendly community by the Alzheimer's Society.

To retain this accreditation year on year, we must continue our good work in the community so that people living with dementia are respected and understood.

We must also ensure that these individuals feel properly supported, and that they feel confident they can contribute to our community.

On this page you will find information about the action we are taking and the support available to those residents who are affected by dementia.

• South Ribble Dementia Action Alliance
• South Ribble Dementia Charter
• Dementia Action Week 2022
• What's it like living with Dementia? (Video Diary)
• The Herbert Protocol
• Get help from the BT Dementia Support team
• Digital Inclusion
• How can you help?
• Useful links

South Ribble Dementia Action Alliance (SRDAA)

South Ribble Dementia Action Alliance is made up of individuals and organisations that are committed to transforming the quality of life of people living with dementia in South Ribble. They also look to support the many people caring for friends or relatives with dementia.

The Alliance is chaired by Anna-Marie Knipe from Birchall Blackburn Law.

Our members include Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service, Lancashire Police, Age Concern Central Lancashire, Home Instead, Preston Care and Repair, Alzheimer's Society, and many more.

Many South Ribble councillors also play an active role in the SRDAA.

The purpose of the alliance is to provide the forum and space for organisations to come together and collaborate on key actions and priorities. As an alliance, we have agreed that we will collectively seek to:

• Keep members informed
• Provide members with support and training
• Develop the way carers and people living with dementia are included in decisions for the future

South Ribble Dementia Charter

The South Ribble Dementia Charter is our commitment to ensure our town centres, local attractions and other public places are as welcoming and inclusive as possible.

As part of our Dementia Charter, we encourage local businesses, community groups, services and public sector organisations to become Dementia Friends.

Find out more about the Dementia Charter and how to sign up here.

Dementia Action Week 2022

During Dementia Action Week 2022 (16-22 May) we are encouraging local individuals, community groups, businesses, services and other organisations to become Dementia Friends.

The Alzheimer's Society's Dementia Friends programme is the biggest ever initiative to change people's perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about the condition.

Becoming a Dementia Friend is about learning more about dementia and about the small ways you can help improve the everyday experience of those affected.

The theme of this years Dementia Action Week is Diagnosis and we have lots of activities planned. The timetable for these activities are below:

Want to become a Dementia Friend?

To secure your place please book through www.dementiafriends.co.uk and choose the session on the date you prefer. Or email Louise.Davies@southribble.gov.uk for any help.

What's it like living with dementia?

Pete is 65 and has Alzheimer's. Watch his moving video diary, which was published by the Alzheimer's Society during Dementia Action Week 2021 and charts the ups and downs of a month with dementia.

The Herbert Protocol

The Herbert Protocol is a scheme adopted by several police forces across England and Wales, in partnership with Local Authorities and other agencies.

It is a simple risk reduction tool to be used in the event that an adult with care and support needs is reported missing.

It is named after George Herbert, a war veteran of the Normandy landings, who lived with dementia. Whilst commonly associated with dementia, it can be used for other vulnerabilities.

If you have a loved one, friend or relative you provide care for, or who lives alone, and are worried about them going out, find out more from Lancashire Constabulary.

Help is available from the BT Dementia Support Team

Are you aware of the BT Dementia Support Team?

If you are a carer and are worried about the numbers your loved ones may be dialling, perhaps costing extra money, the BT Dementia Support Team can help.

The telephone number is 0800 919591.

If you have any concerns or need any help, give them a call.

Digital Inclusion

The South Ribble Dementia Action Alliance has produced a digital inclusion pack (PDF) [6MB] (opens new window) which provides information and tips on using the internet.

Made with the help of people living with dementia, the booklet is a great resource for people with memory difficulties.

Hard copies are available for anybody who would like one. Please email louise.davies@southribble.gov.uk.

How can you help? 

You can get involved and help us by:

• Joining the South Ribble Dementia Action Alliance - in particular if you are a carer or living with dementia, we would value your time to help us develop our plans and activities
• becoming a how to become a Dementia Friend
• submitting to be a part of the South Ribble Dementia Charter

Useful Links

• South Ribble Dementia Charter
• Alzheimer's Society
• South Ribble Dementia Action Alliance
• NHS Information on Dementia

Read on

• Click here to read an article about the link between alcoholism and dementia  (Author: Oliver Clark, 2018).