Community rallies together for Dementia Friendly

Where will you find the most Dementia Friendly organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand?

While that question may be subjective, the Marlborough community has come together to shows they’re a a safe, friendly, accepting and supportive place for people with dementia mate wareware.

There is an impressive list of local businesses and organisations who have been recognised via Alzheimers NZ’s Dementia Friendly Recognition Programme to demonstrate their commitment to making life easier for both the community and their teams.

This includes Marlborough District Council Customer Services Centre, Blenheim Police, Picton Library, Marlborough Library, Blenheim New World, Hospice Marlborough and Public Trust Nelson and Marlborough.

This local commitment was spearheaded by Alzheimers Marlborough Manager Catherine Donnelley, who says being able to work with orgainsations within the Marlborough area has been great.

“Our mission/vision is to make Marlborough Dementia Friendly, and with input from our Dementia Friends this is certainly happening,” she says.

“They continue to support our cleints living with dementia mate wareware, and strengthen the work that we provide.”

Alzheimers NZ Dementia Friendly Advisor Dr Meg Spriggs says the region’s commitment to Dementia Friendly is a great example of how together, we can acheive more.

“Catherine has been amazing in rallying the community as we work towards a Dementia Friendly Aotearoa New Zealand.

“It’s a wonderful example where people living with dementia mate wareware are a really important part of the community, and I hope this encourages other regions take up the challenge to become Dementia Friendly!”

Check out what the Dementia Friendly organisations in Marlborough have previously told us:

“The Dementia Friendly Programme has also had the added benefit of developing a positive and constructive relationship between the local police prevention team and the Marlborough Alzheimers team.  We have found our involvement… to be of benefit to us in our prevention roles, but also an enlightening and engaging process.”

Russell Smith, Blenheim Police

“We’re proud of our status and it has encouraged new members to reach out as well as continue to strengthen our relationship and bonds with the Alzheimers Marlborough and the Marlborough Wither Road group.”

 Elizabeth Balderston, Picton Library

“Our aim is to help customers and staff living with dementia or caring for loved ones living with dementia, to plan ahead, access council services and get help to remain independent for as long as possible.”

Jane Robertson, Marlborough District Council

“The knowledge that has been gained from our staff has benefited our customers who suffer from dementia, it has shown them how to be patient and understanding with our store and out in the community. We love to understand our customer’s needs.”

 Liarne Boyce, New World Blenheim

Find out more about how you can get invovled in Dementia Friendly on the Alzheimers NZ website.

CAPTION: Representatives from some of the Dementia Friendly organisation in Marlborough including Blenheim community police, Marlborough Library, Public Trust, and Alzheimers Marlborough