MP Visits Alzheimer’s Society Formby Dementia Roadshow

SEFTON Central MP Bill Esterson helped raise awareness of dementia when he made a special appearance at Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia community roadshow in Formby, on Friday 18 March.

Val Metcalf, Services Manager for Alzheimer’s Society in Sefton said: “It was wonderful to see MP Bill Esterson supporting us at the roadshow. Receiving a timely dementia diagnosis and accessing post-diagnosis support is crucial to enable people with dementia and their carers to live well.

“With 4547 people predicted to be living in Sefton with dementia, Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Community Roadshow is a vital step in helping us to reach out to local communities and offer much-needed information and advice to those who are worried about their own, or someone else’s memory.

“Having launched in 2011, the roadshow has already made a big difference to the lives of people across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, reaching 143,000 people in the four years it has been on the road.

“Our stop at Formby helped signposted people with dementia and their carers to essential local services, and bringing people concerned about their memory, or that of a loved one, a step closer to achieving a diagnosis. We were honoured to have MP Bill Esterson attend.”

Bill engaged with Alzheimer’s Society and Formby members of Sefton Dementia Action Alliance as he wants Formby to become more dementia friendly. Sefton DAA, launching officially in May, has recently rejuvenated and is welcoming new members from across the borough to take action on dementia.

Bill said: “A growing number of people are living with dementia in our community and it is more important than ever that we all have a better understanding of the condition. I was pleased to visit the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Community Roadshow today to find out about what is happening to help Formby become a more dementia friendly community. The establishment of a Sefton-wide Dementia Action Alliance has my full support.”

Jen Burgess, Dementia Action Alliance Project Manager for the North West said: “It’s great that MP Bill Esterson is pledging his support to make Sefton a dementia friendly town. Dementia affects many people in Sefton – people who visit and use local shops, businesses and services regularly. Members of the Dementia Action Alliance pledge to take small actions to improve their services for people with dementia.”

The Dementia Community Roadshow is aiming to reach parts of the country where access to advice and support is limited. People can find out when the Dementia Community Roadshow will be visiting events in their local area by visiting: www.alzheimers.org.uk/roadshow and you contact: roadshow@alzheimers.org.uk for more information.

If you have any concerns about dementia, call the helpline on 0300 222 11 22 or visit www.alzheimers.org.uk