Published: Wednesday 22nd March 2017 | 4.35pm
People living in Cannock Chase District will be able to view a new woodland sculpture as part of a local dementia friendly initiative in Hednesford Park.
The new sculpture is being created by Robot Cossey, an artist from Wolverhampton who is well known for his timber sculptural works and the artist who created the recent woodland sculptures in the park.
The design includes a collection of forget me not flowers with a ladybird and is situated at the park entrance off Victoria Road.
The forget me not flower is the recognised emblem for dementia friendly communities and hospitals, and the symbol provides one of the many ways of identifying patients which may require extra support.
The sculpture sits along the route of the `Forget-me-not walk` which involves a short walk around the park. Dementia friendly walks take place every Monday between 11am and 1pm – meeting at the park Pavilion.
The project has received funding from the Cannock Chase Dementia Action Alliance. The Alliance, part of the Staffordshire Dementia Alliance was established in July 2016. Its aim is to create an improved and safe environment for those living with dementia, their families and carers.
Further initiatives are also taking place in Hednesford Park between 14 - 20 May as part of this year`s Dementia Awareness Week.
As part of this week, the Alzheimer’s Society is asking everyone across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to unite against dementia.
The first of the Dementia Friend Training Treasure Hunts will be on Sunday 14 May and Monday 15 May. Further information will be published on the Friends of Hednesford Park`s website nearer the time.
Volunteers from Upper Moreton Farm have already made willow forget me not flowers which will be used to decorate the route during Dementia Awareness Week.
Over the next few weeks, the Friends of Hednesford Park will be making more willow forget me not flowers with the Trinity Church`s dementia pop-in group and the local Girls Venture CORPS Air Cadets.
Councillor Muriel Davis, Cabinet Leader for Health & Wellbeing, said: “Dementia is set to be the 21st century's biggest killer. In Cannock Chase alone, there are approximately 1,184 people living with dementia and this figure is expected to increase to just over 2000 by 2030.
“That`s why, it`s great to see the dementia friendly work being delivered in Hednesford Park. By raising awareness of dementia it will offer help and understanding for those people living with dementia.
“There are plenty of ways you can support the Dementia Awareness Week by either joining a Dementia Friends session or taking part in an event near you”.
Councillor Christine Mitchell, Leader for Culture and Sport, said: “This sculpture is a great addition to the park and compliments the recent woodland sculptures that have already been created.
It is positioned at a lower height to the others so that people in wheelchairs and on mobility scooters will have the opportunity to enjoy it too. It`s great to see our parks being used to support people living with dementia and I hope people enjoy the walk”.
County Councillor Alan White, Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing said: “Dementia is one of the biggest challenges facing the county, so it is good to see so many activities taking place and the community coming together to help support people and raise awareness of the condition.
“As a county council we are committed to ensuring residents have access to the support they need to lead as fulfilled and independent lives for as long as possible. This is why we are doing everything we can to ensure people can get access to the support they need in their local community.”
Andy Williams, Committee Member for The Friends of Hednesford Park explained "The Friends of Hednesford Park have been registered with the Dementia Action Alliance since 2014 and started our weekly Monday Dementia Walks in July 2015. This year we aim to raise awareness with our young people and will be doing lots of Dementia Friend Training Treasure Hunts. All of those who take part and pledge support to raise dementia awareness will get a free Alzheimer's badge and forget-me-not windmill."
For more information about the dementia work taking place in Hednesford Park, contact Lynn Evans on 07855 099353.
To find out more about the dementia friendly work being delivered across the District, contact the Council’s Partnerships Team on 01543 464635 or email communications@cannockchasedc.gov.uk