GHP June 2017

16 GHP / June 2017 , The Bracknell Forest DAA was established in October 2014. A stakeholder consultation exercise conducted by Bracknell Forest Council identified the need for improved dementia awareness among the public to help dispel fear and stigma of the disease. The formation of the DAA was identified as a priority within the Bracknell Forest Dementia Strategy action plan, as Viki explains. SO170043 Best Dementia Support & Research Group - UK The Bracknell Forest Dementia Action Alliance (DAA) is amade up of a committed, passionate group of organisations and individuals that operate within Bracknell Forest. We recently invited Dementia Action Alliance Co-Ordinator, Viki Rowland to tell us more. “The DAA Co-ordinator is commissioned and funded by Bracknell Forest Council who established the DAA in collaboration with The Alzheimer’s Society & Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust. The DAA continues to shape the member organisations and the work that we do. “The formation of the DAA demonstrates the commitment within Bracknell Forest to helping to make the lives of people with dementia and their carers better in the local community. The DAA works with local people with dementia and their carers, public sector organisations, local businesses and services to facilitate an improved understanding and awareness of dementia. This will help to ensure that people with dementia and their carers feel welcome and safe when using their local community facilities, and enable them to live well and independently at home for as long as possible. “Key members of these organisations and individuals sit on the DAA steering group which meets bi monthly to identify innovative ways to make the community dementia friendly and find ways to make these changes happen. Current projects include Dementia Friendly Parking Spaces, Dementia Friendly Film Screenings, Dementia Friendly Bus Timetables and working with ‘The Lexicon’ regeneration partnership to provide Dementia Friendly Environments information to new businesses that will reside in the town centre. “The range of projects are identified and implemented using the skills and resources of the member organisations and all have one main aim which is to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers living in Bracknell Forest.” Diving into more detail about the services DAA provide, Viki informs us that the DAA member organisations work collaboratively to drive innovative projects within the community governed by the steering group. “Over the last 6 months, projects that have been implemented have included; Dementia Friendly Parking Spaces which are now operational in Bracknell Forest Town Centre High Street Car Bracknell Forest Council, Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia Action Alliance Team Photo