Four new organisations join the Cheltenham Dementia Action Alliance

CDAA looks to improve access, awareness and activities for people living with dementia.

The alliance is led by representatives from Promedica24, Care UK, Cheltenham Borough Council, the Forest of Dean Dementia Friendly Community Enabler Team and members of the Forest’s own DAA.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, life has changed drastically for many people and as a result, the challenges facing those with dementia and their carers are greater than ever.

CDAA warmly welcomes Gloucestershire Healthy Living and Learning, Badgeworth Court, Mindsong and CCP (Caring for Communities and People) who have recently signed up to commit to taking three actions to make life a little easier for those with dementia:

Maggie Grady director of music therapy at Mindsong said: “At Mindsong, we're passionate about supporting people with dementia and their carers. Joining the Cheltenham Dementia Action Alliance means that we can work together with other local organisations to improve awareness and support for people locally, which is essential, particularly during these challenging times.”

David Edwards, Chairman of the group, commented: “Dementia is the biggest health crisis facing our country, including Covid. It is the leading cause of death, month in month out.   And it affects millions of people every day, because either they or a loved one is living with it. Along with other Dementia Action Alliances across the country, our aim is simply to make life a little easier for those people by creating dementia-friendly communities.”

Councillor Flo Clucas, member for healthy lifestyles said: “The council’s aim is for  Cheltenham to be a place where everybody thrives. Supporting the Cheltenham Dementia Action Alliance is something we are passionate about and we hope that more local groups and organisations will sign up to commit to making life a little easier for those with dementia in Cheltenham.”

If your group or organisation would like to join the Cheltenham Dementia Action Alliance, or find out more information, please contact David Edwards (Chair) [email protected] for more information.

Follow the Cheltenham Dementia Action Alliance on Facebook at @CheltenhamDementiaActionAlliance.

For free online Dementia awareness courses, please contact the Forest of Dean Action Alliance [email protected]

For press enquiries, please contact: communications, 01242 264332 [email protected]

Notes to editors:

The Cheltenham Dementia Action Alliance (CDAA’s) main aims are to:

• Ensure that everyone living with dementia in Cheltenham is understood, respected and supported
• Enable people to continue to enjoy living their lives in, and contributing to, their own community as well as possible for as long as possible
• Support the wider community to understand dementia and inspire people to contribute to creating dementia-friendly communities
• Ensure that the views of those with dementia and their carers are reflected in the work of CDAA