Leeds Beckett University to host ‘Dementia Friends’ sessions

The ‘Dementia Friends’ sessions are free, open to all and available across the University’s city and Headingley campuses and at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

Led by the University’s Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Dementia Awareness Week will run from Monday 16 May to Friday 20 May and will also include public lectures, a play and lunchtime ‘quick-bite’ research seminars open to students, staff and the public. To book to attend and for the full schedule of events for the week visit: http://bit.ly/LeedsBeckettDementia.

Claire Surr, Professor of Dementia Studies at Leeds Beckett, who is a key organiser of the week, said attendees could expect to gain information about dementia and would have the opportunity to ask questions.

She said ‘Dementia is something that we are much more aware about as a society, but people often still need more information to understand exactly what it is and things they can do to help people affected by dementia, on a day-to-day basis. The Dementia Friends sessions and other events we are hosting during Dementia Awareness week are a chance for people to come along and find out more.”

On Monday 16 May, a public lecture, ‘Why being dementia-friendly matters’, will be held from 5.30-7pm and will include short presentations from dementia awareness campaigner Wendy Sharps; Community Development Manager  at West Yorkshire Playhouse, Nicky Taylor; and Professor Surr, who will discuss why having a society and organisations within it that are dementia-friendly is important.

Acclaimed Leeds playwright, Brian Daniels will hold two public performances of his play about early onset dementia, ‘Don’t leave me now’, on Tuesday 17 May. A cast of five professional actors will be performing a dramatised ‘script in hand’ reading of the play which explores, with humour and insight, the impact on two very different Yorkshire families, before and after, an early onset dementia diagnosis.

For the lunchtime ‘quick-bite’ research seminars people are encouraged to bring their lunch and listen to a short overview of some of the dementia-related research that is taking place at Leeds Beckett University and other institutions in the region.

Places for the events are limited and booking via the above link is required. For any enquiries please contact dementia@leedsbeckett.ac.uk .

Photo used courtesy of Dr Cathy Greenblat