Gourock Delivering on Dementia Friendly Pledge
Gourock is on course to becoming the first town in Inverclyde to be named Dementia Friendly.
Inverclyde’s Dementia Friendly Strategy aims to ensure people living with the disease; their families and carers receive the best possible support, feel included and remain part of their community for as long as possible.
In a pilot programme co-ordinated by Inverclyde Health & Social Care Partnership (HSCP), local businesses, shops, community groups, faith-based groups and organisations have been encouraged to sign up to become a Dementia Friendly Organisation.
Inverclyde Council’s Health & Social Care Convener Councillor Joe McIlwee said: “In Scotland there are over 90,000 people living with dementia and that is set to double in a generation. I think most of us know of someone living with dementia so we need to take action now to support them along with thousands of partners, carers, family members and friends. By talking about dementia we improve our understanding and we can break down the stigma.”
There are already a range of local voluntary and community organisations working closely with Inverclyde Council and Inverclyde Health & Social Care Partnership. Alzheimer’s Scotland, Inverclyde Carers Centre, CVS Inverclyde, Scottish Care, Riverclyde Homes and Your Voice all provide information, advice and support enabling people living with dementia to continue to maintain their independence and access community facilities.
An integral part of becoming a Dementia Friendly Organisation involves businesses and community groups taking part in short awareness session delivered by Alzheimer’s Scotland or via the online link www.dementiafriendsscotland.org/
Councillor McIlwee added: “Becoming a Dementia Friend supports staff; volunteers within organisations, groups and businesses to develop a better understanding about dementia. We are fortunate to have members of the local Inverclyde Dementia Focus group - all of whom are living well with dementia – to help demonstrate to businesses how small changes to their environment can support people living with dementia.”
The initial phase of the community led pilot project in the Gourock area has gained support from both the Gourock & Cardwell Bay & Greenock West Community Councils, both of which have become a Dementia Friend via Alzheimer’s Scotland awareness sessions.
Already signed up to take part in the first phase of the initiative and set to become the first Dementia Friendly Businesses within Inverclyde:
Cardwell Garden Centre, Flava Coffee Co, Gourock Library, Co-operative in Cardwell Bay, Post Office, Pettigrew’s Pharmacy, Sainsbury’s, One Cove Road and Cup Cake Corner.
Local community groups, faith based groups; local schools and statutory services already Dementia Friendly Organisations:
The WOOPI Singers, The Ripe Bunch, The WISHES Group, Community Police, St John’s Church, Inverclyde Council’s Community Learning & Development Staff, Community Wardens and pupils at Moorfoot Primary School
The Dementia Friendly Inverclyde tool kit is made up of the following components:-
• What do we mean by Dementia Friendly?
• Guidance for businesses
• Guidance for faith based groups
• Letter of commitment & action plan
• Environmental Audit
• Environmental Hints & Tips poster
• Hints & Tips for customer facing staff fold out leaflet
• Achieved Dementia Friendly Inverclyde logo & door sticker
• A Certificate of achievement
• Promotional advertising
• Business advantage recognition
For a free information pack to become Dementia Friendly Organisation please contact: Reid McLaughlin, reid.mclaughlin@inverclyde.gov.uk or 01475 715450