Dementia Friends
Become a Friend
Volunteer
850 People have become Dementia Friends
The Dementia Friends programme in South Africa is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. Dementia Friends is about learning a little bit more about dementia and the small ways you can help someone living with the disease. The dementia friends programme is now running throughout South Africa but unfortunately Covid 19 has meant that we are not able to do any face to face dementia friends sessions. We will soon be running short sessions on Zoom so if you are interested in attending a Zoom session and becoming a dementia friend please let us know. The programme aims to transform the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about dementia.
Anybody can become a Dementia Friend and every action counts.
Become a Friend!
There are two ways to become a Dementia Friend. The first is to attend a face-to-face Information Session in your community. Alternatively, you can become a Dementia Friend by watching our online video.
If you work for a company and would like your company to become dementia friendly, please let us know. We are already working with three companies who are putting groups of their staff through dementia friends training.
Become a Dementia Friend by watching our online video where you will meet Gina who is living with dementia and learn more about what it is like to live with the condition.
Become a Dementia Friend by watching our online video where you will meet Gina who is living with dementia and learn more about what it is like to live with the condition.
Volunteer as a Champion
Dementia Friends Champions are trained volunteers who encourage others to learn about the personal impact of dementia, and what they can do to help. Champions run Dementia Friends Information Sessions in their community and inspire others to help those living with dementia live well.
The Champions induction lasts for one day and you will learn about dementia and how it affects people, and the practical actions that Dementia Friends can take that could help someone with dementia living in their community. You will learn how to run Dementia Friends Information Sessions to inspire other people to become Dementia Friends and help to create dementia friendly communities.
Would you like to become a Dementia Friend?
If you would like to become a dementia friend, contact your local Alzheimer’s SA regional manager or contact Jill Robson at managerwc@alzheimers.org.za The online programme is available now throughout South Africa.
FAQ’s
What is a Dementia Friend?
What Happens at a Dementia Friends Information Session?
The 45-minute Information Session is an in-person experience run by a Dementia Friends Champion. It is not a formal training. The session has activities and discussion that cover the five key messages everyone should know about dementia. Everyone who attends is asked to do a dementia-friendly action as part of becoming a Dementia Friend.
Who can be a Dementia Friend?
Anyone of any age can become a Dementia Friend. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over when attending a Dementia Friends Information Session.
What is a Dementia Friend Champion?
A Dementia Friends Champion participates in a Champions training. The champions can then present 45-minute Dementia Friends information sessions to friends, family, colleagues and the wider community.
What sort of actions can I take to help someone living with dementia?
You don’t have to commit to doing something time-consuming – every action counts.
You might…
- Get in touch and stay in touch with someone you know living with dementia
- Volunteer for an organisation that helps people with dementia
- Campaign for change to improve the lives of those living with dementia
- Wear your badge and tell five friends about Dementia Friends
- Or come up with your own action!
Register to be a Dementia Friend Online
Our Dementia Friends programme focuses on five key messages that we believe everyone should know about dementia:
- Dementia is not a natural part of ageing.
- Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain.
- It is not just about losing your memory.
- It’s possible to live well with dementia.
- There is more to the person than the dementia.
You need to:
1. Watch the online video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYckSvnMys0
2. Choose your action:
- Get in touch and stay in touch with someone you know living with dementia
- Volunteer for an organisation that helps people with dementia
- Campaign for change to improve the lives of those living with dementia
- Wear your badge and tell five friends about Dementia Friends
- Or come up with your own action!
3. Complete the registration form below.
Fill in the registration form below to be a Dementia Friend
Another Pixel Website Studio Project