ILMINSTER NEWS: Raising awareness of dementia and supporting those affected by the illness

ILMINSTER solicitor Sally Lowe wants to improve awareness and increase support for people living in the community with dementia – but needs more help in getting the message across.

Sally, who is also a member of the Ilminster Dementia Action Alliance, recently attended the Dementia 2020 Conference in London where representatives from local government, Adult Social Care, NHS England and other leading organisations met to review and assess the challenge on Dementia 2020 and the progress that has been made across local communities.

The challenge on Dementia 2020 aspires to make England the best in the world for dementia care and identify key priorities to focus on those living with dementia and their carers which includes better support, assistance to live independently in their own home, improving diagnosis and continuity of care.

Sally was delighted that empowerment, support and greater recognition of dementia as an Illness were key thoughts for the day as well as giving time to remember those caring for people living with dementia and the effect the illness has across the whole family.

“I was inspired by the commitment of so many different organisations,” said Sally. “I hope here in the Ilminster community we can increase our awareness and turn our efforts towards providing greater support for those diagnosed and their family members who are all affected by this illness.”

During Dementia Awareness Week, Sally is encouraging everyone to come together and take action.

“By uniting in Ilminster, we can raise awareness, offer help and support to all those who have or are caring for someone with dementia in our community,” she said.

Sally explained a key point made by Angela Rippon was the need for joined up thinking.

“There are already so many excellent organisations and groups doing wonderful work but we need to try to  bring them all together under one umbrella as at the moment it can be very confusing to access all the resources that are out there,” said Sally.

PHOTO – TOP: Sally Lowe.

PHOTO – RIGHT: Sally Lowe (right) with Dementia 2020 Conference chairs Angela Rippon (left) and Gina Shaw (centre).

With that in mind the Ilminster the Dementia Action Alliance seek new volunteers to increase its presence as it strives to bring joined up thinking to support those in our own community.

If you would like to join the Alliance contact Sally at Milford and Dormor Solicitors at Old Bank Building, East Street, Ilminster, or phone 01460-55445, or Claire Kingdon at Hazelwell Lodge in Station Road, Ilminster, or 01460-52760.

Local people are coming together and many are prepared to go that extra mile to raise both awareness and money to support the local community in the efforts to provide greater resources and support for those affected by the illness.

Sally, a member of Solicitors for the Elderly, is looking forward to being on the Panel of a dementia forum at the Minster Church in Ilminster on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, as part of their Dementia Awareness Day.

The event sees Dr Jennifer Bute a former GP share first-hand knowledge of what it is like to live with Dementia. For more information contact Rev Deborah Perreau on 01460-67168.

Sally hopes to have an opportunity to dispel any concerns people may have about making a lasting power of attorney document which can play a vital role in assisting anyone who may have difficulty managing their affairs due to an illness like dementia.

Later in the year two local former army reservists whose lives are both affected by family members suffering with dementia are planning a sponsored walk from Tintinhull Church to Donyatt Bowling Club followed by entertainment. Anyone interested contact Richard Ball on 01823-664553.

Money raised will be used to help the work of local organisations supporting those coping with dementia.

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