3 Nations Dementia Working Group Newsletter

May/June 2021

In this newsletter:

• Next Webinar: Technology & Tips for People with Dementia
• The Dementia Hero Awards
• Dr Joy Watson & Mr Alzheimer's
• Ronald Amanze: Reggie Music Memories with the BBC
• Time and Place conclusion
• Chris M Driving
• Previous Webinars, info & Resources

WELCOME

For any questions, comments or to let us know of any events or experiences which you'd like us to share, please get in touch:

email: 3ndwg@alzheimers.org.uk

Next Webinar: 

Technology & Tips for People with Dementia

Tuesday 29th June

11am - 12pm

This webinar will feature some People with Dementia sharing the tips & tricks they have found useful when using technology to support them.

NEWS AND FEATURES

Dementia Hero Awards

Throughout the pandemic individuals, groups and organisations did outstanding things to support people affected by dementia.  The Alzheimer’s Society wanted to recognise these Dementia Hero’s.  

The awards recognised the inspirational achievements of those who care for people with dementia, those finding innovative solutions in research, and the campaigners and media fighting for the rights of people with dementia.

Individual members of the 3 Nations Dementia Working Group and the 3NDWG as a whole, were finalists in these awards!

Including:

Chris Maddocks – Finalist for the Outstanding Achievement Award!

Gail Gregory – Finalist for The Dementia Voice Hero Award

3NDWG – Finalist for The Dementia Voice Hero Award

There was an exceptionally high standard of nominations for these awards and the judges commented on the difficulty they had in choosing who should win.

The Outstanding Achievement Award 

Winner - Paul Harvey

Paul aged 80, was diagnosed with dementia in early 2019. Since then, Paul has had the courage to talk openly and honestly about his dementia. It was whilst on national TV, that he was set a challenge to compose a piece of music based on four random notes chosen by his son Nick. The piece that Paul composed went viral. The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra were so moved that they recreated the song, Four Notes - Paul’s Tune with full orchestra. Businessman, philanthropist and entrepreneur, Sir Tom Hunter, was so inspired by the piece that he made a charity donation of £1m split between Alzheimer’s Society, and Music for Dementia.

The Dementia Hero Award for Dementia Voice

Winner - Alex Winstanley.

Alex has written, 'My Grandma Has Dementia', a children's book that aims to decrease the anxiety that children can feel from family members living with dementia. Alex's grandma, who inspired the book, passed away just before Christmas, so the book is now her legacy in the fight against dementia..

Alex consulted people with lived experience of dementia, both locally and globally, to make sure that the book is as well informed as it can be. Touching on his own experiences with his Grandma, he has used the input of a diverse range of people to make sure that the book represents as many people living with dementia as possible. This includes specialists working in the dementia field, as well as people living with dementia themselves and their families. He has consulted residents and staff in care homes, as well as families and researchers.

To find out more about the winners and finalists please click the button below:

Mr Alzheimer's Adventures

By Dr Joy Watson

"Hi,  I’m Mr Alzheimer’s.  For those of you that haven’t heard of me, I’m a character designed by Dr Joy Watson.  I spend a lot of my time visiting schools and youth groups, organising activities for 5 – 9 year olds.  The aim being to help the youngsters understand dementia.

Learning has to be fun, and there’s no shortage of that, and they enjoy the games and always have lots of questions.  

During Covid-19, we’ve been unable to go into the schools, so we devised an online version."  

Mr Alzheimer's Goes to School

I’m a very passionate person when it comes to engaging with our next generation, so during Dementia Action Week I visited several schools and shops and gave out copies of my book “Mr Alzheimer’s Goes to Toyland”, and spent many hours giving out the Alzheimer’s Society leaflets.  I can’t decide which activity I enjoyed the most.  The kids are always fun and engaging (social distancing observed at all times.)

But the conversations I had with members of the public was both sad and beneficial.  The society’s leaflets were an ice breaker, and on the whole well received.  It helped, I think, that this life size character was willing to talk with them, and they felt safe to share.

The staff at my local Morrison's came on board for the entire Dementia Action week, but I think this is due to in part to the relationship Joy has built over the last five years.

Yes, the week was exhausting, but well worth it.  I’m glad the places I visited weren’t 24 hour opening, even Mr Alzheimer’s needs his beauty sleep.

Reggae Memory Radio - Ronald Amanze

Ronald Amanze presents and has co-produced (true, true co-production in every sense) a Reggae Memory Radio programme together with the BBC.

Ronald talks about his life, including his dementia, and how music he loves, Reggae, helps him and how powerful musical memories are for people affected by dementia. It’s incredibly interesting and the music he chose together with the producer to go on the show is lovely.

You will hear Reggae classics of the past 50 years, including favorites by The Paragons, Bob Marley and UK artists such as Sonia and Dandy Livingstone. Clips from the BBC Archive include contributions from Ranking Miss P and Winston Reedy.

Enjoy the sunshine with a big smile, this is well worth a listen.

Just click the button below:

Time and Place Conclusion

Keith Oliver

Whilst many of us were very busy during Dementia Action Week, in part advancing the work of the 3 Nations Dementia Working Group and the Alzheimer's Society's timely campaign on Curing the Care system, many members of the 3 Nations also found time to energise and fill the "reservoir of commitment" by supporting the wonderful conclusion to the Time and Place Poetry Project, and in continuing the creative theme by being part of an art group supported by DEEP and led by 3 Nations Dementia Working Group member Frances Isaacs. 

Activism is important but also is looking after one's well being.

Chris Maddock's Driving Assessment Experience

Chris Maddocks, a 3NDWG Steering Group member and Dementia Diarist recently completed her annual driving assessment.  She has produced a Dementia Diary outlining her experience of renewing her Driving Licence.  

She shares how an administrative error caused a lengthy and distressing delay.  Chris also describes details of the various assessment processes she was asked to complete.  This makes for an interesting and informative Dairy post for those who may have to renew their own driving licence.  Spoiler alert - She passed her assessment!

You can listen, or read, her diary post on the Dementia Diaries Website, click the button below:

Previous Webinar

People with Dementia's View on Curing the Care System

This webinar features five People with Dementia from Northern Ireland, England and Wales - talking about how they feel the care system can be cured.

Living Well / Dying Well -  Part 1 & Part 2

This is an important subject that the 3NDWG have wanted to cover for some time.  These webinars feature a mix of people with dementia, a former carer and professionals discussing the importance of Advanced Care Planning and how people can and should be given the opportunity to have their wishes and choices heard in terms of end of life care.

To watch these webinars, or any previous webinars, please visit our Webinar Library by clicking the button below: