Agenda item

Seher Kayikci highlighted that becoming a dementia friendly Borough meant that people living with dementia were understood, respected and supported as well as included in community life and their contributions recognised. Key action areas adopted from the Alzheimer’s Society, included dementia friendly values.

The 2022 action plan received formal recognition from the Alzheimer’s Society as a Borough working towards becoming dementia friendly.

Gabriel Johns-Mains summarised the key action areas of the plan. The Mayor’s Dementia Friendly Venues Charter was adopted to support the arts, culture, and leisure with 21 venues signing up to the scheme.

Linking with Faith communities helped combat individuals in isolation brought about by dementia. In connection with Faith Action and the Barnet Multi Faith Forum, the Dementia Friendly Faith Communities self-assessment framework was created.

Four businesses on the high street have signed up to the dementia friendly initiative. A more targeted approach would be used to prioritise areas with ageing populations.

It was noted that 21 venues have signed up to the Dementia Friendly Venues Scheme with significant interest from more venues.

More than 15,000 people have become Dementia Friends in Barnet including Councillors and Council Officers.

The Understanding Dementia training has been commissioned by Public Health and sessions have been successfully delivered throughout the year.

Risk reduction messages have been communicated in collaboration with Age UK Barnet and Barnet Carers. Living Well with Dementia leaflets have been created to help support those living with the condition and where to access key services.

To promote the importance of becoming a dementia friendly borough, information has been circulated to venues using magazines, newsletters and social media. Work was underway on creating a new Dementia Friendly brand for Barnet by joining up work done by Barnet Council and its partners.

In terms of strategic developments, recommendations to improve quality of life for older adults, taken from the Chief Medical Officer’s Annual Report  2023 included reduction of disease, prevention of degenerative disease and change of environments.

The NCL ICB has welcomed ongoing collaboration with the five NCL boroughs to strengthen dementia friendly initiatives and by creating an NCL-wide Dementia Friendly Accreditation scheme to be launched in April 2024.

Future planned projects involve the Dementia Friendly Fire Service and Dementia Friendly Transport.

It was noted that training and links should be established with the local police to help manage distressed individuals with dementia.

Fiona Bateman suggested tapping into the Herbert Protocol introduced by the police in partnership with other agencies to encourage carers to compile useful information which could be used to help locate a vulnerable person if they go missing.

Councillor Edwards raised the issue around transport for older people especially those with dementia travelling with a freedom pass. Interesting work had been done in Doncaster involving working with bus companies and their drivers to improve awareness and develop good practice in transporting older people.

The Councillor enquired about progress data around early diagnosis which was found to be crucial in helping affected people.

Resolved that the Board notes and comments on progress towards making Barnet a Dementia Friendly borough.