Calderdale Dementia Hub was part of an inspiring event on Thursday 9 November when Scott Mitchell, Ambassador for Alzheimer’s Research UK and husband and carer of the late Dame Barbara Windsor, spoke at Halifax Town Hall.
The MP for Halifax, Holly Lynch, interviewed Scott in front of a packed-out crowd. Scott gave a touching and heartfelt account of his and Barbara’s life together as they coped with her dementia. It was a very personal insight into his life with Barbara and he also talked about the benefits of his work keeping her legacy alive via his promotion of dementia awareness.
Afterwards Service Manager Neil Courtman from the Calderdale Dementia Hub gave a brief but detailed presentation about the services they offer to anyone affected by dementia in Calderdale.
The event was hosted by Calderdale Dementia Friendly Community (CDFC), a collection of like-minded organisations who have come together with the aim of developing and maintaining a dementia friendly Calderdale. Calderdale Dementia Hub is part of CDFC.
“It was such an emotional event,” said Lisa Berrett, Community Engagement Officer for the Calderdale Dementia Hub, who helped organise the event. “Scott was able to draw out the nuance of the carer’s journey so that it resonated across the whole room.”
“The audience was drawn from lots of people who we haven’t seen at previous events,” added Neil Courtman. “The draw of Scott and the power of his story has allowed individuals and organisations to hear more about the specific support available across Calderdale and that can only be a good thing.”
People reported they found the event was emotional, honest and raw, and everyone found it inspiring as they felt comfortable to share their experiences.
Find out more about CDFC here: www.calderdaledementiafriendlycommunity.co.uk
Published on November 13, 2023