Photo shows some of our volunteers, our Dementia Club UK doctor – Dr Angela Parker and also Harley the ‘DC UK’ therapy dog. Harley has been great at the dementia cafés. Dementia sufferers find him very soothing. He is loved by all the members and is happy to receive lots of attention.
The Dementia Awareness Day organised by Cllr Lisa Rutter on Thursday 19th May at Brent Cross was a real success. All Dementia Club UK volunteers attended to help with the day and many people approached the team to ask questions, to talk about problems they were experiencing and wanted advice and information. People are now seeing more items in the media about dementia such as the recent Horizon documentary about dementia and Angela Rippon on BBC.
Matthew Offord MP officially launched Dementia Club UK ‘DC UK’ by cutting the ribbon and was happy to talk to the volunteers and meet some of the dementia sufferers. Also present was Nigel Wray, Chairman of Saracens. “We are very proud to be associated with such a successful rugby club who cares and does so much for the community,” said Cllr Rutter.
Following the ribbon cutting, a flash mob congregated who were actually the Zemel Choir. A lot of people gathered to hear the Choir which was conducted by musical director Dr Benjamin Wolf. The choir sang beautifully and the acoustics were amazing in the centre point at Brent Cross.
Dementia Club UK is a transition from Saracens Dementia Club which is still sponsored by Saracens. Cllr Rutter, who is of Greek Cypriot origin, is Chairman of Dementia Club UK which is a charity formed in January 2016. There are 4 Directors/Trustees including herself. There are currently 4 dementia cafes running and the fifth dementia café will be launched at Hendon Town Hall on Thursday 28th July 2016 with special guests on the day.
Although Dementia is unfortunately growing and there is still no cure, Dementia Club UK will continue to help as many dementia sufferers and their carers and families to continue and enjoy life as much as possible.
Photo shows the Saracens Chairman Nigel Wray, Matthew Offord MP, Gordon Banks and Cllr. David Longstaff who will be the new Mayor of Barnet in a few days.