26 April 2017

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

During Dementia Awareness Week, May 15 to 21 this year, Dementia Friendly Mid Sussex and West Sussex Council Council have sponsored the creation of a ”Dementia Day” to take place at Clair Hall, Haywards Heath, on Tuesday May 16 from 2 – 5pm.

Besides raising awareness of Dementia, other aims include, to enable Carers and those living with Dementia, to meet voluntary and National support organisations who offer practical help and advice available locally.

The Dementia Action Alliances of Burgess Hill, East Grinstead and Haywards Heath together with exhibitors including Waitrose, West Sussex Memory Assessment Service, Gatwick Airport, Mothers Union, Haywards Heath W.I. Carers Support, plus over 20 others, who can for instance offer access to Legal and Financial advice and information. There will also be presentations on local services from the stage.

A unique opportunity to experience what it feels like to be living with Dementia will be provided by the ‘Virtual Dementia Tour’. Places for the three tours which start at 9:15 and take around 90 minutes are limited, and pre-booking is essential. Sponsorship by local companies has enabled the tours to be offered free.

Space permitting, there will also be a “Dementia Friends Session”, a short presentation written by the Alzheimers Society, explaining what living with Dementia means, and how we as friends, relatives, members of the general public and any organisation dealing with the general public, for example retail establishments or public services, can recognise, and if required at the time, directly help those living with Dementia.

Entry to the afternoon is free, and there is even a cup of tea and a biscuit, courtesy of Waitrose, Haywards Heath.

Current Sponsors include, Waitrose, Right at Home, Michael Oliver (Financial Services), P&S Gallagher, Buss Murton (Legal Services),The Purple Fox, and Haywards Heath Lions.

For more information contact Guy Boyling Haywards Heath Dementia Action Alliance on 01444 616893 or email: dementiaday@haywardsheathdaa.org.uk