Age UK Bath & North East Somerset is urging people across the local area to challenge their perceptions about dementia with new artwork to get people talking about the condition.
The Age UK B&NES Dementia artwork | Image © Age UK B&NES
Over half of us know someone who has been diagnosed with dementia, however there is still stigma about the syndrome which affects 1 in 11 people aged over 65.
During Dementia Awareness Week and beyond, Age UK Bath & North East Somerset are touring libraries and public spaces with the ‘Changing Perceptions’ art display, which has been created by group members from the charity’s Memory Groups and local artists.
The display is an honest, moving, and frank explanation from people who are living with dementia about what it is like and how they feel they are perceived.
Comments include:
- ‘Where oh where has my memory gone, it was fine yesterday but now it’s gone’
- ‘I know what I want to say, but I can’t find the words’
- If there is something I can’t do I find a way to do it’
- ‘I feel that people see me as an idiot’
- ‘I’ve kept my sense of humour’
- ‘Sometimes I feel terrified and isolated’
- ‘I’ve learnt how to live with it and I’m not scared of it anymore’
Paul Watermeyer, Memory Group Lead said: “Our mission is simple really, we want more people to be talking about dementia and how we can all play a part in helping people to age well.
“More of us need to recognise that issues with memory are not uncommon and that early to mid-stage dementia does not necessarily stop someone from leading an active and happy life.”
Age UK Bath & North East Somerset offers memory groups that are empowering and fun, specialising in Maintenance Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MCST).
Due to a significant rise in demand, they are expanding their services and will soon be running eight groups per week.
Paul continued: “Over 3,000 people are living with Dementia in Bath and North East Somerset – quite a number! So it is no surprise that our groups are in high demand.
“We are all about adapting to the needs of our wonderful community and are genuinely excited to be expanding our Dementia service ensuring that everyone has the support and information they deserve.”
Currently, the display is in Keynsham Library but will be moving around public areas throughout Bath and North East Somerset.
To find out more about the Memory Group which Age UK Bath & North East Somerset runs, the artwork or for any dementia support, visit www.ageukbanes.co.uk or call 01225 466135.
