Northampton residents turn up for Memory Day 2017

Northampton residents found out yesterday how the county is working to support dementia patients and their carers, at our second Memory Day.

Held at the Grosvenor Shopping Centre in Northampton, members of the public heard from local businesses and charities such as the Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK and Tollers Solicitors.

Memory Day 2017 visitors and stall holders.

Other exhibitors included:

• Northamptonshire County Council Public Health
• Northampton Borough Council
• Olympus Care
• Dementia UK
• Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust
• First For Wellbeing
• Northamptonshire Fire Service, Northampton Borough Council
• Royal & Derngate
• Northampton Museum
• Richmond Villages
• NCC Public Health

The University’s Human Biosciences team demonstrated on a model brain how and where dementia begins.

Dr Karen Anthony and Dr Alexandra Woodacre were on hand to explain about how dementia affects the brain.

They also had the opportunity to take part in various interactive sessions and workshops, including a chair based exercise session led by the Physical Therapy team from St. Andrews Hospital. The exercises have been specifically chosen to help older people’s mobility and general health.

The Physical Therapy team from St. Andrews Hospital help Memory Day volunteers to ‘feel the burn’ with chair based exercises designed to help older people’s general health.

Officially opening the Memory Day was University of Northampton’s Vice Chancellor Dr Nick Petford. He said: “This Memory Day, run in conjunction with our town and county partners, is aimed at raising awareness of dementia, the support on offer for people with dementia, to highlight the services available for them and their carers and to inform local businesses and talk to them and find out how you can help provide help in the community.

“The University of Northampton is leading on a number of projects to place the county at the forefront of dementia preparation. The aim is to make sure people with dementia are supported to live more in their homes, for longer, fully integrated with their local communities.”

On November 14th, the University hosts its first dementia conference, aimed at showcasing the innovative community-based interventions for people living with dementia and their carers.

World class experts and contributors will highlight examples of good practice of both emerging and new initiatives which are aimed at promoting independence, reducing isolation and loneliness, and maintaining social connections.

Find out more about the Dementia projects for Northamptonshire.

See our events page for more details about the ‘Future Directions in Dementia Care Conference and Exhibition’ and to book your ticket.