This September, Dementia Friendly Swansea has been supporting the Purple Angels World Rocks Against Dementia (WRAD) campaign. Here is what we got up to in support of Purple Angels and during World Alzheimer’s Month!
Raising Awareness
Our main goal was to raise awareness of dementia, through World Rocks Against Dementia campaign founded by the Purple Angels. Purple Angels offer free MP3 players to those who are living with dementia. Each of these MP3 players can be sent out preloaded with 15 songs that are chosen by the individual to provide comfort and joy. The Dementia Hwb has forms that can be sent to Purple Angels to apply for a free MP3 or you can email directly. For more information, please visit here. This years theme for World Alzheimer’s Month was Never Too Early, Never Too Late It aims to educate the public on risk factors associated with the onset of dementia, and preventative strategies. It also aims to increase knowledge on ongoing risk reduction for those already diagnosed. The Dementia Hwb and CADR previously collaborated on the following videos on risk factors and preventative strategies, this was on display withing the Dementia Hwb throughout the month and you can also watch it below or read our blog post on the topic.
Quadrant Takeover
Between 20th September – 22nd September, we were lucky enough to have three days in the centre of The Quadrant to raise awareness for dementia, with several of our partner organisations who support the Dementia Hwb in attendance.
On the Wednesday, we were joined by our Mid and West Wales Fire Service, Swansea Carers Centre, Marie Curie and Ospreys in the Community Sporting Memories:
Thursday was World Alzheimer’s Day and we were able to have both the Ageing Well and Musical Memories choirs down to do a performance and get everyone singing along. We also had information on offer from Age Cymru West Glamorgan, LLais Cymru and the Chinese in Wales Association. We also had supportive visits from UWTSD Psychology and Counselling Department who had taken a purple walk to the Quadrant as well as visits from South Wales Police and British Transport Police to show their support.
A big thank you to Musical Memories and the Ageing Well choir for your incredible performances, you can see video highlights on the following links, Ageing Well Choir Elvis Musical Memories Choir
Friday, we had the Dylan Thomas Centre and Swansea Museum showcasing the new House of Memories app, along with Care and Repair Western Bay and Swansea Council for Voluntary Services.
To find out more about the House of Memories App, click here.
Partnership with The Wave
The wonderful Leigh and Claire from The Wave showed their support by asking people to wear purple, raise awareness for dementia and of course look fantastic in their Dementia Friendly Swansea World Rocks Against Dementia t-shirts! These fantastic t-shirts were supplied by Coral from Outline in Swansea Market.
Turning Swansea Purple!
Swansea Council and Swansea Arena also showed their support for both World Rocks Against Dementia and World Alzheimer’s Day on the 21st September by turning their buildings purple in solidarity.
Fundraising at the Swans
On the 23rd September, we were fortunate enough to be asked by Swansea.com Stadium to be the charity fundraiser for their game against Sheffield Wednesday. Not only did the Swans get a win, but fans also donated £356.19 to Dementia Friendly Swansea!
A HUGE thank you
We would like to thank everyone who got involved, supported the Hwb and raised awareness this month. Keep the dates for this time next year free in your calendars!