Trafford and Wigan councils have come together with Dementia United and GreaterSport to fund an exciting piece of work which will empower community groups and leisure providers to support people living with cognitive impairments in their communities
Striking evidence is emerging which suggests that 40% of cases of dementia may be prevented or delayed through small changes in the way we live our lives. This includes changes to our diet, the way we manage pre-existing health problems and how often we are socially and physically active (https://brain.health/). There is also growing evidence to suggest that art, music and leisure activities can offer physical and psychological benefits to those living with a dementia and their care partners (https://arts4dementia.org.uk/sp/).
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has seen services placed under significant pressure and our ability to engage in community and leisure activities has been severely limited. This has taken a tremendous toll on older people and those living with dementia. 25% of COVID-19 deaths in the UK have been people living with dementia and emerging evidence suggests that health and lifestyle changes brought about by the pandemic are increasing the burden on people living with dementia. These health and lifestyle changes also may also increase dementia risk in many individuals not currently living with the condition.
It’s therefore extremely important that Greater Manchester provision support for activities which can improve the health and wellbeing of those living with dementia, while also improving brain health and resilience across our population.
This is why Trafford and Wigan councils have come together with Dementia United and GreaterSport to fund an exciting piece of work which will empower community groups and leisure providers to support people living with cognitive impairments in their communities. We have brought together two amazing providers to deliver this work:
- Made by Mortals create immersive podcasts, films, and music theatre shows which challenge people to take a walk in someone else’s shoes @MadeByMortals
- Together Dementia Support, a charity who support people to live actively, socially, and positively with dementia @2getherDementia
We are delighted to support this work, helping to enable the leisure workforce across Greater Manchester to feel more confident in providing a dementia inclusive physical activity service. GreaterSport
Working in partnership, Made by Mortals and Together dementia support will develop an immersive training experience co-produced and shaped by people living with dementia and their care partners. This training will be available across Greater Manchester from April 2022 with the aim to build a broad support network for people living with a cognitive impairment, address and challenge stereotypes, myths, and stigmas and ensure that community and leisure groups feel confident in supporting people living with dementia to remain active and connected in their communities.