Dementia Jersey were contacted by the States of Jersey Police when they found out about the ‘Dementia Friends’ sessions via Instagram.
Dan Du Heaume, the charity’s Education Coordinator has delivered five sessions for around 50 officers on the signs and symptoms of dementia, increasing their understanding of how people with dementia experience the world and benefit from support.
‘Dementia Friends’ is a one hour, free session as part of a global programme to change the way people think, act and talk about dementia. Organisations who have recently benefitted from sessions include St John’s Ambulance, students on the Health & Social Care course at Highlands, healthcare assistants at Sandybrook and staff at NatWest International and the Coop.
Sergeant Emma Sykes said: “The States of Jersey Police are committed to understanding mental health issues to better support people in our community. Occasionally we are called upon to help people living with dementia, most notably during missing person episodes, calls from confused individuals, or domestic related incidents where dementia is a factor.
“Our officers enjoyed these informative and interactive classes hosted by the enthusiastic Dan from Dementia Jersey, which have helped officers better understand dementia and how it affects people in different ways. By becoming ‘Dementia Friends’, our officers are now better equipped to support people with dementia and their families whenever we are called upon to help”.
Claudine Snape, CEO at Dementia Jersey commented: “This information session is a quick and easy way to increase your knowledge of dementia and how to support families affected on the island. We’ve had a fantastic response and encourage local businesses who regularly come into contact with over 65s or those affected by dementia to get in touch with us.”
