A health and wellbeing event in Melksham gave local residents an opportunity to put their questions to experts and find out more about dementia, and other conditions, when the Alzheimer’s Society Roadshow rolled into town last month.
The charity’s mobile information service stopped off at the Market Place on Friday 28th September. It was part of a special health and wellbeing event organised by Melksham Community Dementia Action Alliance Group, with the support of Wiltshire Council.
People gathered on board the charity’s special Roadshow ‘bus’ where a team of experts offered free information and advice to anyone with queries about the condition. Alzheimer’s Society spoke to more than 90 people throughout the event, giving them vital information and advice about dementia.
As well as the charity’s Roadshow bus, the Market Place was filled with stands from other organisations. Stallholders included Healthwatch Wiltshire, Melksham Seniors, Alzheimer’s Support, Swan Advocacy, Dorothy House, Carer Support Wiltshire and Wiltshire Mind.
Visitors on the day included Mayor of Melksham, cllr Adrienne Westbrook and Michelle Donelan MP.
Rhys Schell, Melksham community engagement manager said, “Despite the blustery conditions, and the variable sunshine, the event was successful in generating a greater awareness and understanding of dementia with the Roadshow bus.
“We ran two Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends sessions, so that people could gain a better understanding of dementia. People were also able to speak to representatives from other organisations which covered a wide range of health and social care services in Wiltshire.
“The feedback we had on the day was really encouraging. Everything we achieved on the day contributes to our objective of making Melksham a dementia-friendly town.
“I’d like to thank the members of Melksham Community Dementia Action Alliance Group for helping to organise this event, as well as all the stallholders who took part.”
Andrew Day, Alzheimer’s Society’s services manager for Wiltshire added, “Dementia is one of the biggest health and social care challenges of our generation, yet it continues to be a condition surrounded by stigma. This can mean that people who are worried about dementia, or simply want to find out more, may not know where to turn.
“We were delighted to be part of this event. So many people approached us to talk about dementia and the issues they face. It was encouraging to be able to offer people the advice and information they need in this relaxed, informal setting. If you were unable to visit the roadshow but would like to find out more about dementia, call Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia helpline on 0300 222 11 22 or visit alzheimers.org.uk.”