Alzheimer’s Society submit 6,000 strong petition to new Assembly for Wales Dementia Strategy

Alzheimer’s Society in Wales submitted a petition to the new Assembly today calling on Assembly Members to act and help people in Wales affected by dementia.

Nearly 6,000 people signed the charity’s #45000reasons petition which highlights that there are currently 45,000 people estimated to be living with dementia in Wales, less than 50% of whom have received a formal diagnosis. The petition details the urgent need for a national dementia strategy to help:

1. Improve dementia diagnosis rates
2. Increase public awareness and understanding
3. Provide training for Health and Social Care professionals
4. Support unpaid carers and
5. Ensure care within hospitals is tailored for people with dementia

The petition was submitted by Amy Kitcher, Public Affairs and Campaigning Officer for Wales, to Mike Hedges AM, the newly-appointed Chair of the Assembly’s Petitions Committee.

Sue Phelps, Director of Alzheimer’s Society in Wales, said: “One in five people in Wales have a close family member or friend with dementia. This is an issue that affects many people right across Wales.

“Our campaign has enlisted considerable support in Wales and further afield from the 6,000 strong signatures we have received since it opened last October.

“People living with dementia in Wales are less likely to receive a diagnosis, and are less likely to have access to post-diagnosis support than those living in the rest of the UK. This has to change.

“We look forward to working with AMs and the new Welsh Government to develop an appropriately resourced dementia strategy that will radically improve the lives of people in Wales affected by dementia.”

Chair of the Assembly’s Petitions Committee, Mike Hedges said; “Alzheimer’s Society’s petition has shown the level of public support for a Wales Dementia Strategy. It’s evident this is an issue close to the hearts of many people affected by dementia, their families and communities. I look forward to taking this further and discussing the matter more fully with the Petitions Committee to call on Welsh Government to improve the situation.”

Linda Willis, 67 from Cwmbran, Media Champion for Alzheimer’s Society and one of the faces of the #45000reasons campaign said;

“I’m delighted to have been involved in this campaign for a dementia strategy for Wales which is urgently needed.

“Before my diagnosis I thought something was wrong but the doctors said it was depression or old age and something I had to learn to live with.

“It’s so important to get a timely diagnosis because the sooner you’re seen, the sooner you can help. My diagnosis changed my life completely. I didn’t want to discuss my condition or even talk to anyone in case I said something wrong and would be laughed at, now I don’t feel that way at all.”

To follow the progress of the petition and our other campaigns and events, follow @AlzSocWales or visit alzheimers.org.uk/campaign.