Dancing with Dementia is set to return to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom for the third year running following the huge success of last year’s event.
People with dementia and their carers are invited to come along to the popular event which will be held on Friday 14 October between 11am and 3.30pm in the majestic ballroom.
For just £9.50 per person, guests will enjoy an afternoon of ballroom dancing, refreshments including a delicious afternoon tea, music and a host of dementia-friendly activities. There will also be a free raffle.
Semi-professional dancers will take to the floor throughout the day with special high profile guests soon to be announced. Entertainment will be provided by the Fylde Ukulele Network, alongside the mighty Wurlitzer organ and much more.
Information will be available on the day about dementia services and support as well as details on how to become part of the official “Dementia Friends” campaign.
The event will connect individuals dealing with dementia through music and dance. Dance has a number of benefits including reducing stress and anxiety, memory improvement, boosting confidence and social interaction, and is even said to ward off dementia.
Cllr Amy Cross, Cabinet Member for Reducing Health Inequalities, said: “The number of people with dementia is steadily increasing in the UK and is a particular issue on the Fylde coast due to the ageing population, which is why we need to reach out to ensure that people are equipped to recognise the signs of dementia within family members and friends.
“Dancing with Dementia provides a perfect platform to raise awareness and provide information on this complicated condition.
“The event is open to all members of the public as we want to discuss how to improve the lives of carers and people with dementia as well as involving the wider community to work out how best to approach this growing problem.
“We were delighted with how popular the Dancing with Dementia event proved to be last year – more than 500 attended including many people who deal with dementia on a day-to-day basis. We’re hoping that as many people will attend this year’s event as possible.”
Blackpool Council is committed to helping Blackpool become a dementia friendly town and aims to promote information, services and activities available to people living with dementia, and their families and carers, in order to improve their health and wellbeing.
Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or a series of strokes.
The Alzheimer’s Society runs a scheme called Dementia Friends. A Dementia Friend learns a little bit more about what it’s like to live with dementia and then turns that understanding into action. Anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend.
From helping someone to find the right bus to spreading the word about dementia on social media, every action counts.
For more information about how Blackpool Council is helping Blackpool to become a dementia friendly town or to become a Dementia Friend, visit www.blackpool.gov.uk/Dementia. Booking is essential for the Dancing with Dementia event. To book your place, call 01253 476376.
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