London Islamic School pupils are Dementia Friends

Talha Rahman

PUPILS AND STAFF at the London Islamic School in London E1 have become Dementia Friends after taking part in a special training programme at the school. 

The learning programme, which was led by Dementia Friends Champion Emdad Rahman, took place during a special school assembly. It raises awareness of dementia and equips participants to support friends, family and community members who may be suffering from the condition.

Speaking after the information session, LIS headteacher Abdul Hadi Mamon commented, “Dementia has a severe impact on our community and we have discovered today that there are students and members of staff who have family members with dementia. This presents many challenges in their daily lives and after listening to how they support their loved ones our awareness, admiration and our respect levels have increased. At London Islamic School we take our social responsibility very seriously and it is very pleasing to see our students take such a healthy interest in serving their communities.”

Dementia is the broad term used to describe a number of different conditions affecting the brain, including Alzheimer’s disease.

The Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme is the biggest ever initiative yet undertaken to change peoples’ perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about the condition.

Whether you attend a face-to-face Information Session or watch the online video, Dementia Friends is about learning more about dementia and the small ways in which you can help. From telling friends about the Dementia Friends programme to visiting someone you know living with dementia, every action counts.

Dementia Friends Champions are trained volunteers who encourage others to learn about dementia. Champions run Information Sessions in their community and inspire others to help those living with dementia live well.

Five things you should know about Dementia

•Dementia is not a natural part of ageing.
We all forget a name or a face sometimes, especially as we get older – but dementia is something different.

•Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain
Diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease cause nerve cells to die, damaging the structure and chemistry of the brain.

•It’s not just about losing your memory
When most people hear the word dementia, they think of memory loss.

•People can still live well with dementia
Although there is no cure for dementia, scientists and researchers are working hard to find one.

•The Alzheimer’s Society is for anyone affected by dementia and provides expert information and support to anyone affected by dementia. Call the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 11 22 if you’d like to talk to someone for information, support or advice. For more information, go to:
www.dementiafriends.org.uk

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