Sutton awarded dementia-friendly community status

The Council and its partners have recently committed to becoming an ‘Age-friendly borough’, which will help to create a dementia-friendly community in Sutton and ensure that residents can live well independently for as long as possible.

The Sutton Dementia Action Alliance was launched in September 2015 to better support residents with dementia and their families. There are 38 organisations in the Alliance, from health and social care, the voluntary and professional sector, hospital trusts and Sutton Council. 

Sutton is one of the few local authorities in England to host an Admiral Nurse Service team. The team works to improve the care for people with dementia and provide increased support for carers. In addition, a number of shops in the high street now advertise themselves as "Safe Places" where vulnerable people can go if they feel scared or at risk while they are out and about in the community and need support right away.

Councillor Marian James, Chair of Sutton Council’s People Committee, said; “Given two-thirds of people living with dementia live in their local community, it is crucial we are ‘Ambitious for Sutton’ and create an inclusive and supportive environment. We want to improve the understanding of dementia across the borough and provide services to support everyone affected by the disease. We are delighted to have received this recognition by the Alzheimer’s Society and now must continue our efforts to support our residents living with dementia.”

Alison Navarro, Chief Executive, Community Action Sutton, said; “We are delighted Sutton’s commitment to take action and support those with dementia in our community has been recognised. We now need to continue our work with all our alliance members to achieve the goals we have set and ensure we truly support our residents.” 

Projections show that in England, 1,045,000 people over the age of 65 will be living with dementia by 2030. This is an almost 40% increase on those currently estimated to be living with the condition.

In Sutton there will be 3,251 people over 65 living with dementia by 2030. This is a 38% increase on the number who are currently estimated to be living with dementia in Sutton.

Dementia covers lots of different conditions that can affect the brain as we get older. The most common symptoms are memory loss and confusion which make it more difficult to look after yourself. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease.

Local and national support is available for those living with and caring for those with dementia in Sutton. 

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Notes to editors:

The Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friendly Communities recognition scheme celebrates the work of dementia-friendly communities across the country.

The Sutton Dementia Action Alliance was set up in 2015 and now has 38 members.

Community Action Sutton, a membership organisation that supports, develops and promotes the voluntary sector in the London borough of Sutton has led the Sutton Dementia Action Alliance since 2018. Prior to this it was led by The Alzheimer's Society. 

For more information, email pressoffice@sutton.gov.uk