H&F launches Dementia Action Week with poetrees in five local parks

Have you noticed the words hanging from trees in your local park?

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Pictured left to right are the Mayor of H&F Cllr PJ Murphy, poet Dan Simpson, Peggy Coles from H&F’s Dementia Action Alliance and Cllr Ben Coleman

Have you noticed the words hanging from trees in your local park?

Head down to read and enjoy the crowdsourced poem written by local residents to help raise awareness of dementia.

The H&F Dementia Action Alliance has teamed up with local poet Dan Simpson to mark Dementia Action Week (17-23 May) with the community-led poetrees, which are on display in five local parks across the borough.

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Words hanging from the poetree in Ravenscourt Park, Hammersmith

The poem, entitled ‘Living Well’, was crafted by Dan with words submitted by residents in answer to questions around the themes of dementia, living well and memories.

Cllr Ben Coleman, H&F Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, and Hammersmith & Fulham Mayor, Cllr PJ Murphy, unveiled the poem on display at Ravenscourt Park on Monday (17 May).

The poem is also hanging from trees in Hammersmith Park, Bishops Park, South Park and Wormholt Park.

“A big thank you to everyone for sharing their words and experiences around dementia, and to Peggy Coles from H&F’s Dementia Action Alliance for organising this initiative,” said Cllr Coleman.

“The Dementia Action Alliance brings together residents, charities, businesses and the council. We’re working towards a new strategy and action plan to make H&F a recognised Dementia-Friendly community where people with dementia and their families/carers are better understood, respected and supported.”

Peggy Coles of the H&F Dementia Action Alliance added: “It is brilliant to engage so many residents over social media and in local community groups to become dementia friends and highlight a positive image about dementia.”

Last year, there were more than 800 H&F residents over the age of 65 with a known diagnosis of dementia. This is forecast to increase to more than 1,900 residents by 2030.

Video: Cllr Ben Coleman introduces our community-led poetrees

Become a Dementia Friend today

Why not help local residents living with dementia by becoming a Dementia Friend yourself?

This Alzheimer's Society initiative gives everyone the opportunity to help, ranging from visiting someone you know with dementia to being more patient in a shop queue, to getting involved with things like volunteering and campaigning to raise awareness.

Become a Dementia Friend – it only takes a few minutes to register.

Please use the Hammersmith and Fulham code ‘LBH21413’ and postcode ‘W6 8DA’ when registering.

Further information

For further information on Dementia Action Week or to find out more about our work on dementia, contact socialcare.comms@lbhf.gov.uk

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