Agenda item - Dementia Friendly Community

TBC

101.1       The Notice of Motion as listed in the agenda was proposed by Councillor Moonan on behalf of the Labour Group and formally seconded by Councillor Henry.

101.2       Councillor Shanks spoke in favour of the motion.

101.3       Councillor Bagaeen spoke in favour of the motion.

101.4       The Mayor then put the following motion to the vote:

This Council notes:

·       There are over 1800 people diagnosed with dementia living in Brighton & Hove, which will rise very significantly

·       Diagnostic rates for dementia have dropped in the city

·       Parliamentary report on dementia 2021¹ concluded the “care system is a bureaucratic maze that patient and carers are expected to navigate at their most vulnerable” and “much progress is still needed” in dementia care.

·       The Government has committed to produce a stand-alone dementia strategy this year.

This Council commends the work being done locally to support those with dementia including but not limited to:

·       Identifying funding to appoint a 2-year Dementia Friendly Public Health Specialist

·       Committing to the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friendly Communities initiative

·       Launching Dementia Friendly training sessions across the council and with partners

·       Working with transport providers on dementia awareness

Council also believes we can do more, therefore requests a report be taken to the relevant committee outlining current progress and further steps that can be taken, including but not limited to:

1)    Continued funding for the Public Health Dementia Friendly project beyond 2 years

2)    Prioritising work with the NHS to improve diagnostic rates

3)    Extending the dementia friendly awareness sessions by making them mandatory for customer-facing roles

4)    Dementia Friendly environmental checks being carried out in all public buildings and open spaces

5)    Further involvement of local dementia groups

6)    Appointment of Dementia Champions from each directorate senior team and among councillors

101.5       The Mayor confirmed that the motion had been carried unanimously.