In October I became a Dementia Friend, after joining a Dementia Friends session at Sunnybank House in Fair Oak.
Dementia Friends is an Alzheimer’s Society programme. In a session of about an hour, a trained volunteer shares five things everyone should know about dementia, and how small actions can make everyday life easier for people living with it.
Some of the people I film are living with dementia, and how I listen matters as much as what I ask. One idea has really stayed with me. Instead of asking “Do you remember when…?”, which can put someone on the spot, I’ll say “I remember when…” and let the conversation follow.
It sits at the heart of what Everseed is about: sitting down with someone, at their pace, and making sure their story is heard and kept.
Thank you to Val Down of Eastleigh Rotary and to the team at Sunnybank House for such a warm welcome.
If you have an hour, I’d really recommend it. You can find a session at dementiafriends.org.uk.
And if someone you love is living with dementia and you’d like to keep their story, I’d love to hear from you.