Dudley has been recognised for the strides it has made in working towards becoming a “dementia friendly community” by the Alzheimer’s Society.

It comes after Dudley Council helped set up The Dudley Dementia Action Alliance (DDAA) two years ago in a bid to improve care and support for people living with dementia and their carers.

The Alliance brings together key stakeholders within the borough and people living with dementia. It has developed an action plan that is being used to inform people in Dudley of changes that are often cost-free that can be made so people with dementia and their carers can benefit from services.

A dementia friendly community is described as 'a city, town or village where people with dementia are understood, respected and supported, and confident they can contribute to community life'. A spokesperson for The Alliance said:

“In a dementia friendly community people will be aware of and understand dementia, and people with dementia will feel included and involved and have choice and control over their day to day lives”.

The Alzheimer’s Society has recognised that Dudley is “working towards being a dementia friendly community”. It means members of the alliance will be able to display the blue forget me not flower. Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for adult social care, said:

“People with dementia and their carers face everyday challenges which can include difficulty using technology, maintaining social contact and hobbies, and using transport.

“Although help from health and care services is vitally important, making it possible for people affected by dementia to live well requires help from people and organisations across society.

“Since the Dudley Dementia Action Alliance was founded, it has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers in Dudley. I am delighted this has been recognised, and I am sure before too long the borough will be recognised in full as a dementia friendly community.”

The DDAA will be required to provide regular updates and self assessments at six-monthly intervals to maintain the status and work towards full recognition.