Through the support of a $15,000 grant from Dementia Australia, the City of Canning is set to roll out a series of new dementia-friendly projects.
As one of 29 communities across Australia to receive this grant, the City will use the funding to initiate community projects aimed at raising awareness and making the community more dementia-inclusive.
The new initiatives include ‘Walking for Memory,’ a regular dementia-friendly and all-abilities pole walking group at the Canning River Eco Education Centre every Friday at 9 am, and the ‘Forget Me Not Memory Café,’ a monthly coffee gathering at Riverton Library for individuals with dementia and their carers.
Available for loan through local libraries, the City will soon launch Multicultural Memory Bags featuring Noongar, Chinese, and Indian themes, designed to stimulate pleasant memories and nostalgia in individuals with dementia.
These initiatives will be showcased during Dementia Action Week, starting Monday, 16 September, with the theme being ‘Act Now for a Dementia-Friendly Future’.
Executive Director of Services, Advocacy and Research at Dementia Australia, Kaele Stokes, emphasised the enormous impact that these seemingly small programs can have on individuals.
“Dementia-friendly communities play a critical role in encouraging inclusivity, respecting the rights of people with dementia and facilitating access to the services, supports, activities and spaces to which every Australian is entitled,” he said.
“Projects like these allow people living with dementia to meaningfully and purposefully contribute to their community.”
In 2023, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimated that 411,100 Australians were living with dementia. This is equivalent to 15 people with dementia per 1,000 Australians.
Mayor Patrick Hall is calling on the Canning community to embrace Dementia Action Week and support people living with dementia by creating a welcoming environment.
“It is vital that our communities work together to create a more inclusive and welcoming space, where people living with dementia, their families and carers feel supported and can stay connected to their community,” he said.
“People living with dementia are still able to participate in many activities, enjoy hobbies and engage with community groups, and I urge residents to reach out to your family, friends and community to learn more about the needs of people living with dementia in your area.”
For resources and event ideas on how to spark meaningful conversations about dementia care and support, please visit the Dementia Australia website at dementia.org.au.
