More than 20 communities across Australia will benefit from Dementia Australia grants to support efforts to become more dementia-friendly.
Each community will focus on different activities that suit the issues and opportunities in their local area and all communities will work closely with local people living with dementia.
Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said creating dementia-friendly communities is vital to ensuring people who live with dementia can continue to participate and contribute to their community in ways that are important to them and to live well in the environment of their choosing.
“An estimated 459,000 Australians live with dementia today and of these, 70 per cent of people live within the community” Ms McCabe said.
“Often, people stop talking to those living with dementia, staying in touch or inviting them to events. People living with dementia are often socially isolated all day, every day. Social engagement and participation is an important outcome of communities that are dementia friendly and contributes to the wellbeing of people living with dementia.
“These grants are designed to support community-based organisations to actively engage and include people living with dementia as they design and deliver local solutions to make their region dementia-friendly”.
The grants will also support community groups to collaborate with dementia alliances, councils, businesses, and education and community organisations over a twelve-month period.
A full list of the community groups awarded a grant of up to $15,000 each is detailed on the next page.
Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated half a million Australians living with dementia, and the almost 1.6 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.
For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available, and the Helpline is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking
