Norman to speak at ‘dementia friendly’ event
8:55am Friday 1st March 2013 in News
AN event is to be held to launch a scheme to make Bolton a dementia-friendly town.
It is estimated there are more than 3,000 people with dementia in the town — but just 1,778 of those have been diagnosed.
It will take place at the Bridge conference centre on Tuesday and will include talks by doctors, academics, carers and people living with dementia.
There will also be an audience of 150 health professionals who will hear how they can play their part in raising the profile of dementia across Bolton and improving the lives of people with the condition.
One of the most insightful talks promises to be given by Bolton-born Norman McNamara, who was diagnosed with dementia at the age of just 50.
Since then, he has created a booklet of practical advice for people with dementia and their carers, which will be available at the event and from Bolton’s Memory Assessment Service.
The event will be chaired by John Keady, professor of mental health nursing at Manchester University, and will be formally opened by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Guy Harkin.
As well as talks and presentations, the event will also feature a marketplace where different local services — public sector and voluntary organisations — will explain more about their role in working with people with dementia and their carers.
There are a number of organisations and charities in Bolton that can provide help, support and advice to those people with dementia.
For more information visit bolton.gov.uk/ dementia
