Manningham Council is calling on the community to provide their feedback on how Manningham can become a dementia-friendly city.
According to Alzheimer’s Australia VIC, there are currently 342,800 people in Australia with dementia, including over 25,000 with younger onset dementia. It is estimated that one person is diagnosed with dementia every six minutes.
In Victoria, there is an estimated 81,000 people living with dementia and this figure is expected to increase to almost 246,000 by 2050. Dementia is, in fact, the largest cause of disability in people over the age of 65 in Australia and currently there is no cure.
A dementia-friendly community is a place where people are aware of and understand dementia, and people with dementia feel included and involved and have choice and control over their day-to-day lives.
To help Manningham find ways to become a dementia-friendly city, residents are invited to participate in a community survey.
The survey is part of a pilot project through Alzheimer’s Australia Vic, with Commonwealth and Victorian government funding, to help councils across Victoria identify proven and successful ways to lead and support dementia-friendly initiatives across more communities in Victoria.
To participate in the survey visit www.yoursaymanningham.com.au/dementia-friendly
The survey closes 5.00 pm on 26 February 2016.
Expressions of Interest - Manningham Local Dementia Alliance Group
Manningham Council is also seeking nominations from interested parties to be involved in the Manningham Local Dementia Alliance Group. Nominations will be accepted from residents with dementia, carers, community organisations, sporting clubs, local businesses, service clubs, churches and other bodies interested in creating a more inclusive Manningham. The Group is anticipated to meet on a monthly basis for the planning and early implementation phases of the project between February – June 2016.
The Alliance Group will receive support from Alzheimer’s Australia VIC who will build the capacity of the group, assist in sharing best practice initiatives, and facilitate a future work planning session.
To obtain a hard copy of the Expression of Interest form or find out more information, please call 9840 9700.