September Cuimhne Blog: ICS Greenwich Bexley and Lewisham Training
Read about the workshop we ran including colour contrasting, written by Cuimhne Champions Coordinator Zibiah Loakthar.
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Training in Lewisham
“Be patient, not judge people, be helpful” (Participant comment from messages drawn on the day)
Dr Mary Tilki and I were happy to return to Glyndon Community Centre on 15th September 2017 to facilitate an all day Cuimhne workshop on understanding memory loss and dementia for community members and volunteers. The training included lots of lively discussion and sharing experiences.
Taking place in the middle of September, World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, participants were especially asked to reflect on practical actions they would like to take following the workshop to raise wider awareness and public understanding of memory loss and the most common form of dementia in the UK: Alzheimer’s. Participants also shared thoughts for our Patchwork Series.
After this workshop, volunteers agreed that now they would support the inclusion of people living with memory loss in the community by switching white serviettes for colourful serviettes at the lunch clubs. They would also look into using coloured plates and glasses. These actions will offer colour contrast for people who may find their visual perception, for instance the ability to perceive white on white or notice water in clear glasses, affected by memory loss. See more information about colour contrasting on the Alzheimer’s website.
Group of people being trained in Lewisham
A big thank you to Jo from Irish Community Services in Greenwich, Bexley and Lewisham for coordinating the group and arranging a delicious healthy lunch and to Ann and Richard Lucas from the Cuimhne steering committee for supporting the training.
Thank you too to all participants for your time and generously sharing your experiences, ideas and reflections.
Congratulations Bridget H, Mary H, Jo H, Anne J, Ann L, Richard L, Jeanmarie M, Nicola M, Anna O, Sarah P, Margaret V for successfully completing the training day!