Knowsley Health and Wellbeing Board is launching a refresh of its Dementia Friendly Strategy to support people living with dementia in the borough.
Members of the Health and Wellbeing Board approved a recommendation to commission an external organization with expertise in dementia to develop the new strategy and a governance framework for its implementation.
The existing strategy was launched in 2018 and was aimed at improving access to early assessment and diagnosis of dementia, as well as the information and advice available to people so they could live well with dementia. This has now lapsed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges.
The new strategy will build on the work of the previous strategy and will be informed by a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) for dementia, led by the Council’s Public Health team. This will help to ensure the strategy focuses on the areas of most need in Knowsley.
In March 2022, a roundtable event was held to look at dementia provision in the borough, led by the then MP for Knowsley, Sir George Howarth. The report identified key themes, which will need to be addressed in the new strategy. These were:
- Early Diagnosis: Improving access to early assessment and diagnosis of dementia.
- Support and Information: Providing better information and advice to people living with dementia and their families.
- Dementia-Friendly Communities: Creating more dementia-friendly neighbourhoods and communities.
- Reducing Risk Factors: Addressing risk factors for dementia, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and hearing loss.
Involving People with Dementia
The Council will lead the recommissioning of the strategy on behalf of the members of the Health and Wellbeing Board and are committed to involving people living with dementia and their families in the development of the new strategy. This will ensure that the strategy reflects the real-life experiences and needs of those affected by dementia.
Cllr Del Arnall, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care said: “We are committed to improving the lives of all residents, including those living with dementia and work closely with partners across the borough to provide support and services for those affected by the condition.
“Reflecting the findings of the Dementia Roundtable, the strategy will be developed with people at the centre of it, listening and responding to what people with dementia and their families think is important.”
Read the full report