South West Surrey MP and Secretary of State for Health Jeremy Hunt joined forces with Alzheimer’s Society to host the first of a series of public meetings on Dementia for his constituents at Marjorie Gray Hall in Haslemere on Friday (29th November). (pictured above with Becky Jarvis, Operations Manager for Alzheimer's Society and Patrick Franklin-Adams a representative from the local community)
Over 60 people attended Majorie Gray Hall on Friday to discuss the topic of dementia. Individuals across the community came together to raise awareness of dementia and collectively challenge the stigma that surrounds this long term condition. Representatives from Surrey County Council, The Royal Surrey County Hospital and Community Mental Health Teams all contributed in making the evening a success and providing information on the key issues facing people with dementia, reiterated by an inspiring speech from a couple living with dementia.
Jeremy said: ‘I was delighted to be able to host the first of a series of public meetings in my constituency focusing on dementia with the Alzheimer’s Society. It was a privilege to meet a number of constituents who are currently affected by dementia, and to hear them share their experiences. I look forward to hosting the next meetings in Godalming and Farnham in the New Year.’
Becky Jarvis, Alzheimer's Society Operations Manager for Surrey said:
“We are delighted to have the support of Jeremy Hunt MP to deliver this series of events that will help us to reach out to more people in the community. The event co-incided with the release of the State of the Nation report and gave us the opportunity to take stock of the key issues on dementia. There are currently 3,000 people with dementia in Guildford and Waverely CCG. However, only 44.5% of those have received a diagnosis. This is below the national average for England (48%). This means that more than half of people with dementia in the county are living without a diagnosis and access to support and treatments. This highlights the need to raise awareness of this condition and the benefits of early diagnosis."
There will be two further information and discussion evenings in 2014 on Friday 7th February in Baptist Church, Goldalming and Friday 25th April in Gostrey Centre, Farnham. Please register your interest via [email protected].
Jeremy Hunt will also be supporting a fundraising walk in aid of Alzheimer's Society at Farnham Park on Saturday 24th May. For more information please contact [email protected]