Devon schools in national initiative to develop dementia-friendly communities

Seven Devon schools are taking part in a pioneering initiative to help develop dementia-friendly communities.

It’s part of a challenge set by Prime Minister David Cameron to develop community awareness of people living with dementia.

The seven schools will be taking part in a celebration event with some of the older people they have worked with in Exeter today (Monday 20 May).

The schools are Clyst Heath and St Leonard’s primaries and St Luke’s College in Exeter, Tavistock Community College, Okehampton College Copplestone Primary and Spreyton School.

The event was being hosted by television personality and Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador, Angela Rippon, at the Corn Exchange from midday to 2pm.

The event featured singing, displays, activities and exhibitions from the Alzheimer’s Society and other groups.

Devon County Council agreed to take part in the national pilot project as part of its countywide work to raise understanding of dementia in local communities.

The seven schools have been working with the Devon Learning and Development Partnership Music Service and LDP adviser, Annette Lyons.

Their programme aims to develop activities which will help to remove the stigma associated with dementia.

It’s designed to support communities, improve education and improve children’s confidence by interacting with people experiencing dementia.

The music team has enabled schools to connect with local Memory Cafes and take part in community singing with people experiencing dementia.

And Annette Lyons has worked with schools in raising awareness about dementia.

Devon County Council’s Head of Education and Learning, Sue Clarke, said:

“As more people live longer, dementia is set to affect many more of our loved ones.

“Indeed some of the children taking part in this pilot will have grandparents or great grandparents who are suffering from this terrible disease.

“So it is vitally important that schools educate our young people about dementia and its effects.

“Our programme uses the medium of music to bring young and old together to create and unlock memories.

“That was why I was delighted for Devon to be a part of this important national pilot project which will help develop activities which we can embed in the curriculm for all schools to use.”

One of the initiatives involved St Leonard’s Primary children visiting Exeter Age Concern in St Thomas dressed in wartime costume and singing songs of the period with some of the older people there.

The director of Age Concern, Martyn Rogers, said of one of the school’s earlier visits: “The repertoire of songs I’m told was just right, enabling everyone to join in and sing along.

“This made for a really engaging and enjoyable experience for all our guests and no doubt brought back many happy memories.

“Visits such as these really lift people’s spirits and add a bit of sparkle and energy to the day, which is what it’s all about.”