Oldhamers urged to back Dementia Action Week

Oldham Libraries have a whole host of events taking place to help improve the lives of people living with dementia.

Dementia Action Week takes place between May 21-27 and residents are invited to a series of events at libraries across Oldham to find out more about the help and support that is available for people living with the condition.

In the UK, one person develops dementia every three minutes.

Yet too many people living with dementia face the condition alone and are excluded from society. 

That’s why Oldham Libraries are hosting workshops, activities and training sessions to highlight the hardship people with dementia suffer every day and what residents can do to make their lives easier.

There will be a Dementia Market Stall on May 21, featuring different organisations who can offer help and support and provide a wide range of information. 

A highlight of Dementia Action Week will see Emma Decent perform her one-woman show – ‘I don’t know’ – at Oldham, Lees and Royton libraries from May 22-23.

A funny, moving and inspiring tale, using poetry, theatre and library books to tell the story of the love between a mother and daughter and the real impact dementia can have on people.

There will also be Dementia Friends Training on May 24 where members of the public can learn what it is like to live with dementia and turn that understanding into action.

Singing for the Brain on May 24 uses singing to bring people together in a friendly and stimulating social environment.

Join us at Oldham Library for tea and cakes and socialise with others in a fun and supportive group.

Other events include scam training on May 24 and a reminiscence workshop on May 25.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Cooperatives, said: “Dementia is such a difficult condition for those who have it and it’s heart-breaking for their families and carers.

"We must do everything we can to help those with this cruel condition have the best quality of life they can.

“I’d urge anyone to attend the great events coming up at our state-of-the-art libraries to learn more about how we can make our community an easier place to live for those living with dementia.”

All the events are free to attend, with the exception of Emma Decent’s performance, for which tickets are priced at £3 – pre-booking is required.

Pre-book on to any of the events by visiting www.oldham-council.co.uk/libevent/events/index/all-countries/all-cities/all-venues/health-and-wellbeing