Members of the Making Marlow Dementia Friendly (MMDF) committee, a project backed by Rotary reflect on what a significant year it has been for the community initiative.
From its beginnings just over a year ago, it has gained the support of many local businesses, Marlow Town, Wycombe District and Bucks County Councils, local groups and voluntary organisations as well as individuals who make up the committee that meets diligently every month.
This year has seen the project really start to impact positively on the community, as it achieves the overarching goal of raising awareness of dementia so that people living with the condition are assured understanding and support from the whole Marlow community, and can remain as independent as possible.
It also critically gives carers and family members a developing conduit to the local professional and peer support network that is available.
MMDF has been prominently represented during the year in Marlow, particularly at the May Fayre and the Carnival.
Paul Bolton (centre) with members from Marlow Town Council
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Several events to raise awareness have also been run, along with many “Dementia Friends” information sessions for local companies and individuals.
Raising funds has been important too, through events like the recent late-night shopping evening on the High Street.
A true highlight of the year, and in recognition of everything that the project has achieved in such a short space of time, MMDF won the Marlow FM award for “Services to the Community” which was a real tribute to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved.
Word has also certainly spread in the right way as the committee now receives enquiries and invitations from groups and organisations in neighbouring towns who want to get involved or are looking to establish similar initiatives.
Committee Chairman, Paul Bolton said: “It has been a very busy and rewarding year for MMDF, we couldn’t have wished for a better implementation of the project when we first had the vision to make Marlow a dementia-friendly town over a year ago.
"We’re very proud of what we have achieved but ultimately it is, and always will be about bringing the Marlow community together to support everyone affected by this relentless disease."
For more information, if you require support or would like to get involved in the project, please contact info@mmdf.co.uk or visit www.mmdf.co.uk.
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