As part of Rutland’s Great Dementia Conversation, TV, radio presenter, and journalist Angela Rippon was joined by a panel of six national dementia experts to discuss how to make Rutland the first dementia friendly county in the country.
The event took place at The Barnsdale and was attended by around 150 guests, including the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, the High Sheriff of Rutland, GPs and health professionals, dementia organisations and charities, parish councils, local media and members of the public.
Angela opened the event by sharing her personal story and challenges of caring for her mother who was diagnosed with dementia in 2004.
The panel of experts went on to discuss the importance of dementia awareness, making rural communities and local media dementia friendly, the legal challenges of dementia, people’s attitudes towards dementia, and the latest medical research and treatments.
Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Stamford, said:
“I am so grateful to Angela Rippon and our amazing panel of dementia experts who gave up their afternoon to support our ambition to make Rutland the first dementia friendly county in the country.
“Each talk gave a fascinating insight into how different parts of our community can make small changes to become more dementia friendly and supportive of those living with the condition, as well as their family and loved ones.
“I hope Rutland’s Great Dementia Conversation has encouraged anyone who has noticed something has changed, or whose loved one may be showing signs of dementia, to have the confidence to step forward and access the wide network of support available locally.”
(Photo: Rutland & Stamford Sound)
