In the Horsham District, it is estimated that 2,500 people will be living with dementia by 2020. Dementia is one of our greatest health and social care challenges. An estimated 850,000 people are already living with dementia in the UK and this number is expected to double over the next 30 years. I know that with political will, scientific expertise and the compassion of our care workers we can meet this challenge. £50 million so far has been invested in creating dementia friendly environments in hospitals and over 500,000 NHS staff have been trained in how to support people with dementia. I was pleased to join a campaign last week for yet more work to be done to make our NHS dementia-friendly. The challenge is not just within public services which is why the Prime Minister launched “Challenge on Dementia 2020” to set out a vision for dementia care and research. As part of this, funding for research into dementia will be maintained at over £300 million by 2020.
For those with dementia – and their families – for many any important aspect is being able to receive more support to enable them to continue to be active in the community: continuing with activities such as shopping. Therefore, I am delighted that Horsham is on its way to becoming a ‘dementia friendly’ town with the support of the Horsham Dementia Action Alliance. The alliance has created 5 action groups to improve awareness and share best practice: Transport, Education & Young People, the Care Pathway, Shopping & Local Business and Leisure & Wellbeing. Small changes on the part of businesses and organisations can make an enormous difference to those affected by dementia. Examples include making sure entrances and exits are clearly visible, keeping flooring plain and non-slip and ensuring products are easy to see and reach. For individuals wanting to help Horsham’s transition to a ‘dementia friendly’ district, there are opportunities to become a Dementia Friend – of which there are currently 1.3 million nationally. I am delighted that Horsham Districty Council has embarked on this path, for more information please visit http://www.dementiafriendlyhorshamdistrict.org.uk/