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According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, 944,000 people are estimated to be living with dementia in the United Kingdom[1]. Given the growing scale of the condition, North Wales Police and Betsi Cadwaldr University Health Board (BCUHB) have joined forces for the further rollout of a new series of films called Living Better with Dementia.
The films, which originally premiered in March this year, have been created to encourage a better understanding of dementia. Now, following the successful launch of the films, further special screenings are planned in Broughton and Llandudno Junction thanks to funding from the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, Andy Dunbobbin. The aim is to bring the films’ important message around living better with dementia to even more people across North Wales.
The two screenings will take place at Cineworld Broughton Shopping Park, on 11 June 2024 from 3-5pm, and at Cineworld Llandudno, Llandudno Junction, on 1 October 2024 from 3-5pm. The showings will be followed by a question and answer session on the health and policing issues that can affect people living with dementia, or their families. Topics for discussion on the day will be generated by the audience and could include living as well as possible with dementia; keeping safe; protecting your home; and help for someone who goes missing.
The idea for the films came from Professor Tracey Williamson, Consultant Nurse for Dementia at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. She said: “Through the films we hope to create a better understanding of dementia in North Wales and beyond, including how to get checked and live as well as possible with the condition.”
The five films that make up the Living Better with Dementia series can be viewed separately or as a continuous 32-minute film. They address the following topics: What dementia is; when to seek help; getting a diagnosis; living with dementia; and planning for the future.
Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, commented: “I am pleased North Wales Police and Betsi Cadwaldr University Health Board are working together on the Living Better with Dementia Film series and I am delighted we have been able to fund the sharing of this vital message with even more members of the public. I would encourage anybody living with dementia, or their families and friends to attend the events to understand more about the condition and the support available.”
Sergeant Beth Jones of North Wales Police commented: “I am proud to be continuing our ongoing partnership work with Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board to support people who are living with dementia in North Wales and their families and supporters. The number of people living with dementia is increasing year on year, so it’s vital that we help them with day-to-day challenges and concerns. This event is one of two that we have planned in the next few months, thanks to the funding support from our North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner.”
Professor Tracey Williamson, Consultant Nurse for Dementia, BCUHB added: “At Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, we are very grateful for the funding to further the roll-out of our new film Living Better with Dementia. The event is another great example of partnership working in North Wales and will be a valuable opportunity for citizens to hear what is happening in health and policing locally and ask questions.”
The films were funded by the Mental Health & Learning Disabilities Division, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and match-funded by Eternal Media Ltd with the aim of the films gaining maximum reach across North Wales and beyond.
Everybody is welcome to join the planned events and admission is free. There will be an information stand on the day for useful literature about dementia.
To book to attend the screening visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bywn-well-hefo-dementia-living-better-with-dementia-tickets-906605831447
To get your copy of the Herbert Protocol visit: www.northwales.police.uk/notices/af/herbert-protocol
The Herbert Protocol is the national scheme used by police forces and emergency services across the UK to support people living with dementia who might be at risk of becoming lost or reported as missing. For further info contact: Phone Sgt Berth Jones on 07896 172 643 or email Bethan.Jones@northwales.police.uk or Tracey.Williamson@wales.nhs.uk