Ardingly College students are ‘Dementia Friends’

Dimentia FriendsArdingly College are working with the Alzheimer’s Society to raise awareness of dementia. The aim is to try to educate pupils on how to interact with and understand people with dementia.  

The College has held an information workshop, run by the Mid Sussex Alzheimer’s Society, for pupils and staff.  Jessica Eustace, Ardingly College’s Careers and Work Experience Co-ordinator, said: “It was an enlightening and rewarding experience for us all. A number of our senior school pupils are involved in projects at local care homes and we feel it is really important to equip our pupils with essential skills and knowledge that can be used in the community to assist in making people with dementia feel comfortable and not marginalised.” She said that this year,  10 of the College’s Senior School students have been volunteering at local care homes, with six pupils involved in an incredible Music and Memory project. This involves personalising playlists for residents with dementia and looking at the positive effects music can have on the mind.  Ms Eustace said: “The workshop gave us greater insight into what living with dementia can be like.  There are 2,150 people living with dementia, just in the Mid Sussex area.  We need to make sure more people understand dementia and how to provide understanding and support for those who have it.”