Prime Minister launches next phase of Dementia Challenge

The Prime Minister’s ‘Dementia Challenge’, outlined at the start of 2012, has moved into a new phase this week as the Department of Health has announced a collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Society in order to find one million ‘Dementia Friends’ to help improve the lives of adults with dementia.

So far the £2.4m programme, which will see volunteers given free access to dementia awareness sessions, is focused upon finding one million Dementia Friends in England, but the aims to see the scheme extended to the rest of the UK before long.

Launching the new phase, PM David Cameron spoke of the importance of tackling the growth of dementia, saying: “We cannot underestimate the challenge we face in dealing with dementia in our country. There are already nearly 700,000 sufferers in England alone but less than half are diagnosed and general awareness about the condition is shockingly low.

“Through the Dementia Friends project we will, for the first time, make sure a million people know how to spot tell-tale signs and provide support.”

Volunteers who choose to become Dementia Friends will receive a forget-me-not badge, already shown in dementia-friendly communities, with more details due to be released in the spring as to how businesses and organisations can embrace the new initiative.

The Department of Health has also published a progress report on the Dementia Challenge, accompanied by a series of further announcements that include: £9.6m of fresh funding for dementia research; pilot school and youth projects that organisers hope to see rolled out nationwide; as well as a £1m prize fund for innovative approaches towards better diagnosis.

Alzheimer’s Society chief executive Jeremy Hughes comments: “I think the public fall into two groups; those who are worried about dementia and those who are clueless as to what it actually is. Most people’s reaction to my dementia is very dismissive. When I describe the problems I encounter on a daily basis, often people just shrug and tell me that they too have the similar problems.

“Dementia Friends is a real opportunity. Better public understanding of the condition will make a huge difference. It will make England that bit nicer a place to live, not just for people with dementia and the families who are affected, but for everyone.”

Sarah Pickup, president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) is among those to welcome the announcement, saying of the Dementia Challenge: “It is already helping to improve the lives of people living with dementia and their carers, and the progress report provides evidence of what support from the highest levels of government can achieve.

“While progress was being made prior to the launch, the establishment of Champion Groups in three key areas and the additional focus and profile has encouraged a whole range of organisations and communities to take positive action; to launch initiatives; provide funding, and to promote and share good practice.

Ms Pickup continues: “There is a momentum building that – if focused appropriately and sustained – will drive real improvements in diagnosis, treatment, care and support and in everyday living for people with dementia and their families and carers.”