New dementia-friendly health walk and invitation for people in Islington to become Dementia Friends

Islington is recognised by Alzheimer’s Society as a community working towards becoming dementia-friendly, to help support people living with dementia. 

About 1,500 people in Islington live with dementia, which is caused by a number of diseases that affect the brain.  Dementia may include symptoms of memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language.

Islington’s new dementia-friendly “Health & History” walk begins on Thursday 20 May at Caledonian Park.  It has been developed by Susan Hahn, an experienced Islington guide, and especially welcomes people living with dementia and their carers. For more information, and to book a place, see the Cally Park website.

Islington is also inviting people to become Dementia Friends - learning more about dementia, putting yourselves in the shoes of people affected by dementia, and turning understanding into action.  You can become a Dementia Friend by visiting Alzheimer’s Society.

The Mayor of Islington, Cllr Janet Burgess, is a passionate campaigner for people living with dementia, and was herself a carer for someone with dementia, and will help launch Islington’s first dementia-friendly walk.  Cllr Burgess has also helped Islington Libraries launch a carers reading list.

Cllr Burgess said: “It’s important that we create a safe and inclusive community in which people living with dementia can live as independently as they want to for as long as possible.

“We also want to provide a supportive environment for carers, family members and friends of people living with dementia. This is particularly important as people affected by dementia have experienced significant harm from the restrictions to social contact and reductions in services during Covid-19.”

Cllr Nurullah Turan, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Health and Social Care, said: “We’re determined to rebuild a better and fairer Islington after Covid-19, and create a place wherever everyone has the chance to enjoy a good quality of life.

“We’re committed to making Islington a dementia-friendly place, where people in Islington affected by dementia are supported in the community.  We hope local people living with dementia, and their carers, will enjoy our new dementia-friendly walk, and we invite residents to make a difference today by becoming a Dementia Friend - it takes just a little time and can make a big difference to people’s lives.”