Age Concern and United in Kind Tendring launch new Dementia Action Alliance subgroup for Harwich

The partnership will be run by local people, for local people

13th July 2020, Colchester – Age Concern Colchester & North East Essex and United in Kind Tendring have launched a new Dementia Action Alliance (DAA) subgroup specifically for the people of Harwich. The joint venture identified a need for the Harwich community to have a voice and take an active role in how businesses and organisations provide dementia care and tackle related issues in their area.

The new DAA subgroup will work with local organisations to run dementia friendly sessions, supporting them to working towards becoming dementia friendly accredited, at a hyper-local level. This will empower participants to be actively recognised as providers of choice in the local community, and on the high street, by those living with dementia. The subgroup will also feed into the main Tendring DAA.

Dementia is formally diagnosed every 3 minutes and it is estimated that there will be over 1 million people living with the condition by 2021. It is therefore a key health and social care issue for the UK, as well as for the sustainability of businesses and retailers. 1 in every 5 deaths from COVID-19 have been from someone who has dementia.

United in Kind Coach for the Tendring District, Suzanne Howe said, “I am delighted to be working alongside Age Concern Colchester and NE Essex and the Tendring Dementia Action Alliance to co-lead on a Harwich DAA sub group and working towards the Harwich community becoming more dementia friendly and aware. United in Kind is passionate about reducing social isolation and working to raise awareness and promote an inclusive community.”

Harwich businesses, charities, surgeries, and organisations are encouraged to contact Age Concern to become Dementia Friendly for the social good of their community, but also for the sustainability of their business or organisation:

• Enhanced social reputation by being a leader in breaking down exclusion and isolation, ensuring social inclusivity and customer protection
• Empowering and enabling staff with the skills, understanding and confidence to deliver a high-quality service to those with dementia
• Ensuring business sustainability, increased footfall and profits via the ability to serve all segments of society
• Demonstrating a commitment to the local community, customers and their families across the generations
• Working towards the nationally recognised Dementia Friendly Communities kite-mark, and complying with the Equality Act (2010)

Harwich DAA subgroup contacts:

Nicki Cailes, Age Concern, Co Ordinator for Tendring East and West

nicki.cailes@ageconcerncolchester.org.uk

Christine Horn, Age Concern, Befriending and Dementia Team Leader North East Essex

christine.horn@ageconcerncolchester.org.uk

United in Kind Coach for the Tendring District

suzanne.howe@ceessex.org.uk

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For further information, please contact Simon on 01206 368420 or email simon.prestney@ageconcerncolchester.org.uk

To find out more about Age Concern Colchester and North East Essex, please visit
www.ageconcerncolchester.org.uk/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/colchesterageconcern/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AgeColchester

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/age-concern-colchester-essex/

Notes to editors

About Age Concern Colchester and North East Essex:

Age Concern Colchester and North East Essex was formerly known as Age UK Colchester and before that Age Concern Colchester and is a local independent charitable company limited by guarantee providing services and support for older people in the Colchester area.

Age Concern’s mission is to “Make Life Better in Later Years” and we do this through boosting health, wellbeing and quality of life of residents of North East Essex – and those who care for them, through advice, information, knowledge and where appropriate, resources.

COVID-19 Update:

A new community support team can provide practical guidance for those who are struggling with food, access to prescriptions and who have unmet care needs in their home. Call COVID-19 Support on 01206 368420 option 1 or email: communitycare@ageconcerncolchester.org.uk.

Bereavement support during Covid-19:

We recognise your need for support at this time when lots of services are not running normally. (At this time when wakes and funerals are unable to proceed as normal) the Age Concern team can offer bereavement support. Call 01206368420 option 2 for support or email: bereavement@ageconcerncolchester.org.uk.

Befriending during Covid-19:

Befrienders have moved to a telephone service during the pandemic, in order to support those who are lonely, scared and having to self-isolate.

Call 01206368420 option 3 to help or email befriending@ageconcerncolchester.org.uk.

Welfare and Financial Support

Our busy Advice team provide practical support on completing often complex forms. Helping people to overcome the barriers they face as a result of low incomes or ill health our practical support can lead to an improved standard of living helping people to maintain independence and choice within their lives. Call for Support on 01206 368420 option 4 or email: advice@ageconcerncolchester.org.uk.

Dementia Helpline

At a time when everyone is focused on COVID-19 there is a little focus on the highest mortality rate being for over 70’s who have a form of Dementia being the highest affected grouping in Wales and England. Do not be alone, call our support line to be connected to the help you need. This line is supported by the local NHS.

Call for support on 01206 368420 option 5 or dementia@ageconcerncolchester.org.uk.

Registered Charity Number 1142414 Registered Company Number 7517777.