DFS Schools

Schools from across Stockton-on-Tees are being encouraged to become dementia friendly.

By becoming dementia friendly it is hoped that schools will help to:

• Increase awareness and understanding about dementia
• Reduce stigma
• Improve community cohesion

To help schools become dementia friendly Stockton Libraries and Heritage Service have developed an award winning programme that allows children to learn about dementia in an open, fun and friendly environment. The programme uses storybooks, memory games and object handling to teach children about dementia, encourage them to ask any questions and to share their feelings with friends and family.

A growing number of peoples’ lives are affected by dementia. By becoming a dementia friendly school you can help children to develop their confidence and understanding of the condition. By developing a ‘dementia-friendly generation’ we can also help build stronger more cohesive communities in the future.

Your school will also be able to achieve public recognition for becoming dementia friendly. All schools that are part of the project will be able to display the national ‘Working to become Dementia Friendly’ logo and will be promoted on the Dementia Friendly Stockton website.

Joining the project is free and your school will receive support from Stockton Libraries and Heritage Service.

To join the project your school need to agree to:

• Appoint a dementia champion for the school (for example this could be a school volunteer or classroom assistant) who will be trained to deliver the awareness sessions for school children
• Deliver dementia awareness sessions to all the children in the school
• Support staff members to attend dementia friends sessions

To find out more about the project and how your school can become more dementia friendly contact Karen Morris on 01642 526518 or email Karen.Morris@stockton.gov.uk