Mall takeover marks start of Dementia Action Week

David Fullman (left), Lord Mayor of Norwich and David Walker, Sheriff of Norwich, both pledge actions to become Dementia Friends and help their family to also understand dementia. (Image: Archant)

A Dementia Friends marathon is one of many public activities planned to help improve the everyday lives of people affected by dementia.

Alzheimer's Society is working in partnership with Norwich City Dementia Action Alliance to encourage people across Norfolk to take actions, big or small, and unite against the illness this Dementia Action Week.

Two shopping units inside Norwich's Castle Mall, level 1, Kastle Kids Unit (opposite Pound World), have been taken over until Thursday with a range of activities for anyone – no matter what age or ability – to get involved in.

The Lord Mayor of Norwich, Cllr David Fullman, and The Sheriff of Norwich, David Walker, officially launched the week.

Pearl Cooper, leads supporters in seated Zumba for Dementia Action Week, organised by the Norwich City Dementia Action Alliance at the Castle Mall. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Now people can visit the two shopping units from 10am-4pm each day where there will be plenty of information to take away, professionals on hand to speak to and a Dementia Friends information sessions throughout the four days.

Debbie Foster, Alzheimer's Society operations manager for Norfolk and Suffolk, said: 'This year's Dementia Action Week theme is community change. We are asking people to take actions, big or small, to improve the everyday lives of people affected by dementia.

'Becoming a Dementia Friend is a great action to take and will help to give people a better understanding of what it is like for someone living with the condition.

'Across Norfolk and Suffolk there are already more than 48,000 Dementia Friends.

'In front of Kastle Kids the Alzheimer's Society will have a small gazebo with 'action trees' ready to be filled. We will be encouraging people to make their own pledge or action – one that will help people affected by dementia to feel included in their communities and able to live the lives they want – and hang it up on a tree branch.'

There are more than 14,000 people living with dementia across Norfolk, yet too many people face the condition alone without adequate support. Everyone has a part to play in creating a dementia-friendly UK.

Susan Ringwood, chief executive at Age UK Norwich and chair of the Norwich Dementia Action Alliance, said: 'We are delighted to be working in partnership with Alzheimer's Society to encourage people in Norwich to take part in this week of action.

'Simple actions can still make a big difference, and we want anyone living with dementia to feel included, understood and involved in Norwich life.'

Raffle prizes will also be part of the week including a pair of return flight tickets from Norwich Airport to Alicante or Malaga, as well as a lucky dip for the first 50 Dementia Friends.