The programme of events was being displayed on the library community information board. Events are co-ordinated by Dementia Friendly Abingdon – a group, linked to Healthy Abingdon, which aims to make the town more supportive of people with dementia and their carers.
Monday 20 May
Information Day in the Roysse Room, Guildhall 10.00am – 4.00pm
A one stop shop for advice, support and information on activities available to those living in and around Abingdon with dementia and mild cognitive impairment and their carers. Those represented will include the Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia Oxfordshire, Kennington Memory Club, Young Dementia UK, Fiddle Fingers Quilts, Carers Oxfordshire and care homes.
Tuesday 21 May
Dementia Friends Information Sessions, 35 Ock Street (by Baptist Church), 10.30am and 12noon. A fun, interactive one-hour session to learn a little bit about what it’s like to live with dementia – and then turn that understanding into action; from telling friends about Dementia Friends to visiting someone you know living with dementia. Register to attend at www.dementiafriends.org.uk – find our Abingdon sessions and sign up. Or email dementiafriendlyabingdon@gmail.com
Wednesday 22 May
Dementia Friendly Film Showing, Abbey Cinema, doors open 10.00am for 11.00am showing of The Wizard of Oz. For details see www.theabbey.ac. This will be first of many dementia-friendly screenings which the cinema hope to arrange monthly. The Abbey Cinema follows the Alzheimer Society’s guidelines for dementia-friendly screenings, which encourages the thoughtful choice of film, staff training, clear signage, careful attention to lighting and sound levels and most importantly, listening to people with dementia.
Thursday 23 May
10.30am Dementia friendly walk around Abbey Park. Meet in the Market Square
2.00pm Abingdon Library
Human Story Theatre perform Connie’s Colander. Running time 50min, followed by a 20 min post show Q&A with a dementia specialist.
Friday 24 May
Awareness Day in the Market Place, 10.30am – 2.00pm
Information stands, Music, Singing for the Brain at 11.30am and again at 12.30pm. If it’s wet they will be in St Nicolas Church!