1. Making a Dementia Friendly Surrey

2. A collaborative approach
Funded by and
A Dementia Friendly Surrey
recognises and values the diversity among individuals with dementia and their carers,
empowers them to have a strong individual and collective voice with which to communicate their needs and preferences and is responsive to these,
makes sure they are safe both inside and outside their home, and
promotes their inclusion in all aspects of community life.
Our thanks go to the Plymouth Dementia Action Alliance whose vision statement we have adapted.

3. Our objectives Deliver basic dementia awareness training
Fund a range of local projects through an Innovation Fund
Support organisations to use the national recognition scheme logo
Raise public awareness through a wide-ranging campaign
Recruit Dementia Friendly Surrey Champions
Increase the number of peer support groups where there are gaps

4. Training
Free of charge training - community groups, businesses , golf clubs , garden centres and other organisations.
Understanding dementia - the challenges it brings and how we can help people in our community.
Over 850 people and 100 organisations - Police, banks, housing associations, District/Borough Councils and voluntary organisations
Three types: cascade course, short courses (tailored) and self-study pack

5. Innovation Fund Targeted awareness in Gypsy/Traveller communities
Targeted awareness for BME groups
Countywide projects
Reading group
Befriending scheme
Singing group
Intergenerational project
Peer support groups, for carers and people with dementia
Art activities and therapies
Alzheimer's Cafe
Understanding dementia installation
Local projects

6. Community Awareness Campaign
Intensive campaign activity in September 2013 and 2014
New suite of publicity materials to over 2,000 venues. Myth busting booklets to 70,000 addresses.
Engagement – stalls at 20 different conferences/events and presentations made to 150 national, local and team meetings
Positive media coverage - local and national
Dementia Diaries to all schools

7. Benefits
Reduced social isolation and improved wellbeing of the person with dementia and carers.
Greater awareness - supporting increase in presentation to primary care and diagnosis rate.
A wider range of activities and support for people with dementia and their carers.
Benefits for the wider community of vulnerable including older people, families with children, people with other disabilities.

8. Don’t just take it from us......
“Be more aware/less prejudice.” Surrey Sports Park “I'd encourage others to go on this training, I can see ...it would help handle situations sensitively with residents/customers I come into contact with” Local authority employee “Professional, informative and varied... we go away feeling a little more confident in dealing with dementia appropriately...that, surely, is the objective!” GP Practice Manager

9. CHALLENGES Demonstrating relevance to local business and schools
Sustainability
Equity of Peer Support Groups across the county
Legacy with Champions
The Surrey landscape (geography)
Innovation fund – best laid plans
Public awareness – did it impact in a positive way?

10. Legacy and sustainability
Dementia Friendly Towns
Engage shops, businesses, voluntary sector and GP surgery staff
Create places of safety in the town
Delivering public awareness for residents
Accessible public facilities, signage, toilets within existing resources
Promoting citizen support systems.