Milton Keynes City Council is honouring both Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 and Dementia Action Week (15th-21st May 2023) by highlighting the network of support that is on offer in the community.
Through close collaboration with local charities, businesses, and organisations, the council is pushing to offer a wide range of community projects that are aimed at improving life for those living with dementia. These will range from improvements in signage and the design of local buildings that make life easier for those with dementia, to new education and training programmes for the community.
Specialist dementia nurses are also funded by the council, and work across the city. Admiral Nurses have already helped hundreds of families that have been affected by different forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. In June, the council has also created a one-day event that will see local organisations brought together with people in the community who have dementia, their family, and their carers. This event will give anybody who is a resident in Milton Keynes, as well as their friends and family, the opportunity to speak to professionals, and partake in activity workshops.
Councillor Emily Darlington, Cabinet Member for Adults, Housing and Healthy Communities, said:
“Dementia impacts hundreds of families across our city including my own and we want people to know they are not alone by becoming a dementia friendly city. Supported by local organisations including Thames Valley Police, the NHS and Dementia UK, our local partnership aims to ensure that MK is a good place to live for people with dementia and those who support them. If you or a loved one have concerns about dementia, it’s worth getting in touch to understand the help that is available.”
Lancashire and South Cumbria Councils also introduced solutions at the end of last year, with the aim of improving the mental health of older residents, allowing them to be more independent and maintain their dignity.
