A local campaigner wants to make Burnham-On-Sea an official ‘dementia-friendly’ town.
During a talk at Burnham’s Princess Theatre to mark Dementia Awareness Week, Myra Cox, pictured, said more can be done to reduce the stigma around the condition locally.
“I’m keen to make Burnham Dementia-friendy, encouraging everyone to be more informed about the condition and to help those who live with it,” she said.
“Everyone – from businesses to residents – can be better informed about Dementia in a positive way and then put their understanding into action.”
She says that shops and businesses in Burnham can be helped to better serve people with the condition.
As part of the awareness week, an event was held at the Princess where information stalls were set up and leaflets distributed.
She added: “There was a lot of interest throughout the day – we had a good turnout of visitors to find out more about the condition. My Dementia Friends talk provoked many interesting questions.”
“I explained that people can live well with the condition and still have a fulfilling life.”
“I would like to thank the Princess Theatre staff – who are themselves training to become ‘Dementia Friends’ – and everyone who came along and helped in anyway to promote the positive message that you can live well with Dementia.”
The event also raised money for the Alzheimer’s Society, which is leading the fight against dementia.
Pictured: Top, campaigner Myra Cox; Centre – the Princess Theatre staff who are themselves training to become ‘Dementia Friends’; and above a representative from the Cinnamon Trust, one of the groups at the event
