First arts centre to declare Dementia Action Alliance commitment

The Courtyard Centre for the Arts, in Herefordshire, has become the first arts venue nationally to join the Dementia Action Alliance.

Looking to set an example as to how the arts community can contribute to the lives of adults with dementia – numbering an estimated 800,000 people in the UK – the Centre pledges to improve accessibility and to incorporate dementia-friendly methods.

Arts and older people’s project coordinator at The Courtyard, Alice Saunders, feels strongly about community responsibility, saying: “It is not only the responsibility of family members, friends and professionals to improve the quality of life for those with dementia, but local organisations who play a key role in the community.

Ms Saunders continues: “The Courtyard will be working very closely with those with dementia and their carers to build initiatives that will ensure we can make The Courtyard as accessible as possible. Improving a community’s understanding of dementia is vital to ensuring that those with dementia can live fulfilling lives and improving understanding and awareness within our staff will be our first priority.

“It is our intrinsic belief that the arts can enhance and enrich the lives of all members of the community and our commitment to the Dementia Action Alliance is the first step to improving access to those with dementia.”

Dementia Action Alliance coordinator for Alzheimer’s Society in the West Midlands, Jeevan Jones, responded to the announcement: “We’re delighted to welcome The Courtyard Centre for the Arts to the local Dementia Action Alliance. Life doesn’t stop when you receive a diagnosis of dementia. Many people want to continue to enjoy the same activities they did before their diagnosis such as going to the theatre, the shops, the hairdresser or the pub, but after a bad experience end up feeling isolated and lonely.

“With over 3,000 people living with dementia in Herefordshire it is vital that businesses adapt and make themselves accessible to those living with the condition. Through local Dementia Action Alliances we hope to encourage local businesses, such as The Courtyard, to help us create dementia friendly communities. We will support them to improve their understanding of dementia and make small changes that will enable people living with dementia, their families and carers to access their services, feel a part of the local community and enjoy life again.”