As part of Dementia Action Week (21-27 May), South Staffs Water’s new community hub in Wednesbury opened its doors to host Dementia Friends information sessions yesterday (Wednesday 23 May) for members of the local community.

During the course of the day, volunteers with Dementia Friends, an Alzheimer’s Society initiative, held three one-hour sessions and had the opportunity to talk to 18 people, all of whom became Dementia Friends. The sessions were designed to provide participants with an understanding of dementia and the small things that can be done to make a difference.

Phil Newland, Managing Director at South Staffs Water explains: “It is important to us that the hub becomes an integral part of the local Wednesbury community. That way, we know we are really making a difference. Initiatives like the Dementia Friends information sessions are exactly the sort of things we want to support.”

Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about the condition by raising basic awareness and understanding of what dementia is and how to help those affected by it. From telling friends about the Dementia Friends programme to visiting a person living with dementia, every action counts.

Located at Unit 17 Union Street, Wednesbury, WS10 7HD, the hub is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 10.00 - 16.00 and 09.00 - 12.00 on Saturdays. It provides the local community with a focal point and enables South Staff Water’s customer service team and other experts to talk directly to customers, making sure all customers are supported and get extra help when they need it.

Call in to find out more about the Community Hub or click here.