Kent and Medway Mental Health Charity launches ‘Seeing Dementia Differently’ campaign

People across Kent and Medway are being encouraged to take on a challenge this August to raise money and awareness as part of a new dementia campaign.

Kent and Medway Mental Health Charity, formerly known as Health Heart Hope, has launched its ‘Seeing Dementia Differently’ campaign to support people living with dementia, as well as their families, carers and communities. As part of the campaign, August is Challenge Month, giving supporters the chance to take on an exciting challenge while raising money to help people affected by dementia.

Supporters can take on England’s longest zipline at Hangloose Adventure Bluewater or take to the skies with a skydive at Headcorn Aerodrome. People can also create their own challenge, whether that is taking part in a sponsored walk or cycle, setting a personal goal or organising an activity with friends, family, colleagues or their local community.

The charity hopes the challenges will raise vital funds while starting conversations about dementia and helping people understand the condition better. The campaign builds on work already taking place across Kent and Medway to improve dementia diagnosis, care and support.

Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust is involved in research studies looking at how dementia can be diagnosed, treated and supported in the future. These studies are helping to shape future services while giving local people opportunities to take part in new approaches to care.

The trust is also supporting a new community-based pilot, which aims to bring dementia assessment and diagnosis closer to people’s homes across Kent and Medway. The pilot is part of wider work to improve dementia diagnosis and care, including training and support for primary care teams and care homes.

Together, this work aims to create a dementia pathway that is safe, consistent and shaped by the experiences of people living with dementia and those who care for them.

The ‘Seeing Dementia Differently’ campaign also aims to focus on what people living with dementia can do, rather than what they cannot do. It will look at how communities can help people stay connected, take part in activities and continue to live well.

Kirsty McInnes, Charity and Volunteers Lead at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, said:
“A dementia diagnosis can be difficult, but the right information and support can help people plan ahead and continue to live well. ‘Seeing Dementia Differently’ is about listening to people living with dementia, understanding what matters to them and helping them stay connected to the people and places around them.

“August Challenge Month is a chance to have fun, get involved and raise money to support this important work.”

The charity is encouraging individuals, businesses, community groups and organisations across Kent and Medway to get involved this August.

To take part in August Challenge Month or find out more, contact the Kent and Medway Mental Health Charity team by emailing kmmh.charity@nhs.net