Henry Smith MP has given his support to the Alzheimer’s Society manifesto, ‘The Dementia Promise’, a 12-point plan outlining ways to improve the lives of those living with dementia.

Henry said;

“We all have a part to play in improving the lives of people living with dementia.

“Approximately 1,130 people living in Crawley have the condition and there are many more who are in regular contact with family and friends with the condition. 

“Crawley has been designated as a Dementia Friendly Town by the Prime Minister. It’s an issue we can’t afford to ignore locally or nationally.”

Henry was joined in Westminster by more than 200 other MPs and representatives from the Alzheimer’s Society, who all attended in support of those affected by the condition. He also met with television newsreader and presenter Angela Rippon about what more can be done to help those in need.

Henry gave his support to the Alzheimer’s Society’s general election campaign that is calling for more people to get the dementia diagnosis they need and for everyone to be properly supported afterwards.  

The Alzheimer’s Society campaigners were in Westminster to urge MPs to make this election memorable for all those affected by dementia. The charity is striving to ensure that more people get a diagnosis and the support they need, that there is a doubling of spending on dementia research and that communities are encouraged to become dementia friendly to ensure people with dementia can live full and active lives.  

While in Westminster, Alzheimer’s Society supporter Shelagh Robinson, 73, who was diagnosed with dementia five years ago, delivered a petition with 67,375 signatures to the Prime Minister.

The petition calls for everyone diagnosed with dementia to have access to a Dementia Adviser or Support Worker – a named contact who can help them come to terms with the diagnosis and guide them through the complex health and social care system. 

Chris Wyatt, Alzheimer’s Society Regional Operations Manager South East, said:

“Dementia is the biggest health and care challenge our country faces – one that all of society must respond to. By the end of the next parliament more than a million people will be living with dementia. There is unlikely to be a family in the country that is not affected.

“We are pleased to have been able to engage over 200 MPs in one day. Henry Smith MP has a huge influence in Crawley and we hope he will use this opportunity to take action and improve the lives of people living with dementia. 

He has shown great support for Crawley Dementia Action Alliance and helped to raise awareness of the 1,134 people living with dementia in the town.2015 is set to be an important year for politics – but together let’s also make it an historical year for people with dementia.”

External links:
Alzheimer’s Society
The Dementia Promise (Alzheimer’s Society)