Henry Smith MP has taken part in an Alzheimer’s Society event in Crawley as part of Dementia Awareness Week, which runs from 17th to 23rd May.

The event took place last Wednesday, 20th May, at K2 Leisure Centre. Walking football, bowls, swimming, Pilates and Thai Chi were all on offer for people with dementia and their carers.

Henry said;

“I am grateful to the Alzheimer’s Society for organising the event at K2 to encourage local people who have dementia to ‘Do Something New’.

“The session was extremely productive, and it was interesting to speak with a number of the 50 attendees about their experiences, and how events such as these organised by the Alzheimer’s Society can be a real help.

“I also tried try croquet and bowls – as well as cycling in a two-person bike!”

Tim Wilkins, Service User Involvement Officer at the Alzheimer’s Society, said;

“Everyone who came along to K2 seemed have a great time and it was amazing to see so many people trying different sports that they might not normally get the opportunity to try.

“We strongly believe that life doesn’t end when dementia begins and we do everything we can to help those living with dementia hold on to their lives and the things they love for longer. 

“That is why we have been encouraging people to ‘do something new’ during Dementia Awareness Week. By doing something new, we want to get people thinking about how it’s not only possible for someone with dementia to hold onto their life and the things they love for longer, they can continue to try new things and have new experiences, too.

“As the population ages, we all face the risk of one day developing dementia but with the right support people with the condition can continue to do the things they love and lots, lots more.”

The Alzheimer’s Society has a range of services which support people with dementia and their carers in and around Crawley, such as a weekly dementia café and a dementia support service.

For further details contact the Alzheimer’s Society’s Sussex Helpline on: 01403 213017

External links:
Alzheimer’s Society 
Dementia Awareness Week (Alzheimer’s Society)
Do Something New (Alzheimer’s Society)