World Rocks Against Dementia Swansea
Purple Angels was founded by Norma McNamara, from Devon, after his own diagnosis of dementia at the age of 50 and went on to create the Torbay Dementia Action Alliance. Together with Jane Moore, a caregiver from Cornwall, they designed the Purple Angel to become a global emblem for anyone who is voluntarily raising awareness of dementia. Throughout the month of September, Dementia Friendly Swansea is supporting the World Rocks Against Dementia (WRAD) campaign to raise awareness of dementia. The Campaign is worldwide, with a host of awareness events happening over the globe and is run by the founder of Purple Angels Global, Norman McNamara.
Purple Angels
Purple Angels was founded by Norma McNamara, from Devon, after his own diagnosis of dementia at the age of 50 and went on to create the Torbay Dementia Action Alliance. Together with Jane Moore, a caregiver from Cornwall, they designed the Purple Angel to become a global emblem for anyone who is voluntarily raising awareness of dementia.
MP3 Players and Music
As well as raising awareness, Purple Angels offer free MP3 players to those who are living with dementia. These are also accessible to care homes wanting to apply on behalf of someone 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. Research has shown the positive effect music can have on a person with dementia, it can be used on an individual basis to elicit memory and provide comfort and can be used in groups to help with connection and encourage conversation with others
“To raise awareness about dementia costs nothing. The MP3’s with all they come with cost nothing, but the joy and happiness they bring? Absolutely Priceless…”
- Norman McNamara, Purple Angels Founder
If this is something of interest, 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.
What we are doing
Over September, we have asked local music venues to raise awareness through live performances happening over Swansea and beyond. We will be taking over the Quadrant between the 20th – 22nd September to talk about all things dementia. You can expect activities, choirs, information from a wide range of charities and more.
You can listen out for our partnership with The Wave, that will talk about the importance of raising awareness of dementia.
Turning Swansea Purple
In addition to this, we have collaborated with Swansea Council to light the Guildhall as well as a collaboration with Swansea Waterfront Museum and Morgans Hotel to light the buildings purple on the 21st September 2023 to raise awareness for dementia. This date was chosen to coincide with World Alzheimer’s day to additionally spread awareness. We will also be at the Swansea City v. Sheffield Wednesday match in Swansea.com stadium on 23rd September.
At the Hwb, we will be decorating our front display purple to bring attention to the importance of music as a tool in dementia care. We will be running as a signposting service as usual to aid those on their dementia journey, carers, family members and anyone who wants to learn more about dementia. We will be open 11am – 3pm, 7 days a week. You can also access us via telephone on 01792 304519 or via email at support@dementiafriendlyswansea.org