Alzheimer’s Society has teamed up with Girlguiding in the latest initiative to help create a dementia-friendly generation. Leaders from Girlguiding groups, which include Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers now have access to bespoke activity packs that raise awareness about dementia, create Dementia Friends and inspire girls and young women to take action within their communities. Becoming a Dementia Friend involves finding out more about how dementia affects a person and then, armed with this understanding, taking action to support someone affected by the condition. For example, being patient in a shop queue or spending time with someone you know who’s living with dementia.
In the UK, it is estimated that nearly one third of young people know someone who is affected by dementia. “As the number of people living with dementia increases, more and more young people are likely to be affected, therefore it is vital that we continue to raise awareness among younger generations. Our packs are designed to be fun, informative and inspiring so young people are empowered to take action” said Sophie Woods, Senior Youth Engagement Officer at the Society. Alzheimer’s Society’s partnership with the Scouts contributed 23,000 Dementia Friends to the total of over 300,000 young Dementia Friends (aged 5 – 25) already in the UK. The Society is looking forward to seeing where this new exciting collaboration with Girlguiding will take them, and the actions that Girlguiding groups will carry out to help fight the fight against dementia! To find out more about Alzheimer’s Society resources for Girlguiding groups visit: www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-friendly-communities/dementia-teaching-resources/youth-groups
