Hartlepool students calling for people to wear badge for people with dementia

In preparation for Dementia Awareness Week this week, students and staff at High Tunstall College of Science have been learning all about Dementia Friendly Hartlepool.

Forty students, who study Health and Social Care, alongside staff members, have received dementia friendly training courtesy of Caroline Ryder-Jones, occupational therapy clinical lead from Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.

Rachel Jefferson, head of Turing House at the college, said: “HTCS are delighted to support Dementia friends in their aim to make not only Hartlepool but England more dementia aware by 2020.

“In our effort to become more dementia aware we are encouraging staff and students to wear dementia badges, which were knitted by volunteers in the local community. Students and staff can purchase these for a donation and all money raised will go to Dementia Friendly Hartlepool.”

Caroline Ryder-Jones, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust said “Dementia Friendly Hartlepool aims to develop Hartlepool as a nationally recognised dementia friendly community. 

“We want to ensure that people living with dementia are able to remain active and involved in their communities. 

“People living with dementia and their carers will be able to live life well and seek the help and support they need.”

For more information on Dementia Friendly Hartlepool, go to www.hartlepoolnow.co.uk/pages/home/dementia-friendly-hartlepool