Dementia Friends at Newman

Health & Social Care students at Cardinal Newman College have been involved in the ‘Dementia Friends’ initiative from the Alzheimer’s Society. Dementia Friends learn about dementia so that they can help to raise awareness and understanding of the condition so that people who living with dementia can continue to live their lives the way that they want.

In total this year, the Health & Social Care Department has trained 203 students to become Dementia Friends, with the help of Elaine Little from the Alzheimer’s Society. Now our students are able to take what they have learnt out into the community, doing anything from volunteering to visiting someone with dementia or simply wearing a badge to show that they are able to offer help and support should someone with dementia need it.

The Health and Social Care Department have also been treated to a reminiscence session with members of the local community. The session was led by Jimmy from Lancashire Memories, who brought along old artefacts, films, images and played songs that were carefully selected for the group of local residents who also attended event along with our students. This allowed the group to share memories and enabled our students to hear real life accounts and learn more about social history through these individual’s stories.

Students were also able to learn more about dementia and the therapeutic ways that they can interact with older people, it has supported the students to develop skills that are essential for working with people.