BME dementia awareness road shows 2013

There are currently 15, 000 people from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) groups living with dementia in the UK, and this number is set to increase. Research shows that there is a lack of awareness of dementia amongst BME communities. Raising awareness is an important first step to improve access to services for people from a BME background.

The Bradford Dementia Group (BDG) is proud to be working in partnership with Bradford and District Older People Alliance (BOPA), Bradford District Council, Meri Yaadain, Phase 3, Mary Seacole Court, Adult and community services and Sharing Voices, to deliver 5 community engagement road shows to raise awareness.

The main aim of the road shows is to promote awareness and reduce stigma in BME communities and encourage people to seek help and support as early as possible. The programme includes a presentation by Jan Oyebode, Professor of Dementia Care, BDG on the nature of dementia and “how to live well with dementia”. So far we have presented road shows to: Indian, African and Caribbean, and Central and Eastern European communities and we will be running one for Irish communities in the New Year. The events so far have been well attended and the content well received.

For further information please contact Carol Peltier (BOPA Development Manager) BOPA@ageukbradfordanddistrict.org.uk