Belong Wigan helps Holy Family pupils become dementia friends

Pupils from Holy Family Primary School have played their part in raising awareness and understanding of dementia by becoming Dementia Friends with the help of experts from Belong Wigan.
Almost 150 children from Years 1 to 5 at the Platt Bridge school took part in a day long session of activities, led by Belong Experience Co-ordinator Marie Calderbank, to learn more about what it is like to live with dementia.
Technology and Reminiscence workshops, which have been developed by Belong Wigan and the social enterprise wehearttech C.I.C, taught the students how to use modern technology like iPads to help people with dementia stimulate memories.
Topics included music, fashion and holidays using visual and audio stimulants as triggers to help people reminisce, as well as create new memories.
Holy Family Headteacher Kathryn Mitty said the learning day had been a great success.
"All the children really loved it and when we went through some of the reminder slips they had to write as one of the exercises, you could tell they had given them a lot of thought and attention,"; she said.
"I think these kinds of events are really important because they raise awareness of dealing with dementia and demonstrate how everyone can help people coping with the condition. Its so important for people to feel a part of the community and there maybe a time when some children will come to know people with dementia so these events are crucial."
Marie, who organised the school wide activity day, added: “I’m overwhelmed by the response we had at Holy Family to commit to making the entire school dementia friends, and the enthusiasm we saw from the students. Sometimes it can be difficult for younger people to visit a family member with dementia because they may not understand what the problems are.
"We wanted to equip them with some of the skills that they would need to feel comfortable when visiting an environment like Belong Wigan. We know from feedback that many of the students have shared what they learnt with their parents when they got home. They are a real credit to their school and community."
During Dementia Awareness Week (15 – 21st May 2016) Belong Wigan will be running a variety of activities throughout with their primary School Dementia Friends. They will also be hosting a free Dementia Friends awareness session on Wednesday, May 18 at 2pm. For more information or to book your place, contact reception on 01942 855600.