Julie Churchouse, Community Development Coordinator, tells us how a Dementia Friends session, teamwork and finding that ‘magical person’ has had a huge impact on a local community.
Julie explains: “It all started when Vicki, who is the Marketing Manager at The Marlowes Shopping Centre got in touch. Vicki had supported her nan who had Alzheimer’s, and she really wanted to find out how she could get involved, make a difference for people living with dementia and create opportunities for the local community too.
“A colleague and I held a Dementia Friends Information Session for the car park security attendants, staff on the information pods in the shopping centre, and the cleaning team – we were able to make the session relevant to the shopping centre, pointing out instances to look out for, and how to approach to offer help. For example, someone might be in the car park and not be able to find their car, they might need support with the ticket machines, or have trouble navigating the carpark and shopping centre. During the session staff were given ideas for how to identify these situations and help the person feel safe, comfortable and understood.
“The session was a great success! We were even told that the carpark attendants’ team were able to put their new knowledge into practice shortly after the session when someone had forgotten where they had parked – they were able to help in a calm and supportive manner. We ran two more sessions for management staff at the shopping centre, and any shop keepers that were interested were able to attend too!
“Vicki was keen to do more, so offered an empty shop unit to be used for drop-in sessions once a month, now known as the ‘Inspiration pod’. They hold coffee mornings which are run by The Marlowes Shopping centre, but Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Advisers are there for anyone who wants to drop in for support. This was big success, they were able to create a welcoming environment, the units are open fronted, and not medical setting, so people are able to drop in without an appointment and have an informal chat about dementia and any concerns they may have. The coffee mornings are so well attended and people have formed their own peer support groups and go off for lunch or a shop together after.
“The support for Alzheimer’s Society continued to grow and soon we were chosen to be The Marlowes Shopping Centre’s Charity of The Year! This enabled us to work together to create awareness about dementia in the local community. The team at the shopping centre are passionate about supporting through fundraising and awareness raising however they can.
“During Dementia Action Week, The Marlowes ‘Inspiration Pod’ was decorated with forget me nots, and we held a drop-in Dementia Friends session which many shop keepers attended. Running these sessions isn’t just about supporting customers, but also the staff and their families.
“The shopping centre holds an annual Community Awards event, recognising inspiring people from the local community, volunteers, young people and organisations. We were thrilled to learn that Alzheimer’s Society won the award for Community Organisation! It truly is such a group effort, and we are so proud to see the impact being made by the relationship between Alzheimer’s Society and The Marlowes.
“Vicki and the team are so engaged, and passionate about the cause. I often think it’s all about finding that magical person who understands the importance of raising awareness and the impact this can have, and we definitely found that in Vicki!
“For Elf Day this year the team had an ‘Elfie selfie’ frame for people to take photos with,aswell as a fundraiser with present wrapping, and Dementia Friends sessions that were open to anyone to join. It is fantastic to see the team creating opportunities throughout the year to raise awareness and money for Alzheimer’s Society, providing support for the community and contributing to the millions of people across the UK who have become Dementia Friends!
“The donations for the Santa’s Grotto were donated to us and together with the Elf Day fundraiser it added up to an amazing £4,545.92!
“Vicki and her amazing team at The Marlowes have inspired another shopping centre to do something similar and I will be delivering Dementia Friends sessions there soon.”
