The York Community Pride Awards took place last night at York Racecourse organised by The Press and City of York Council and sponsored by Benenden Health, where the finalists gathered along with their families as the winners of the 12 categories were announced. Emma, from Anderton McClements was there and said ‘Everyone on the night were thoroughly deserved winners and the inspiration in the room was incredible’.
Being a Dementia Friendly business and members of the York Dementia Action Alliance, we were delighted that one of the finalists, ‘Sheila’s Gals’ were runners up in the ‘Community Fundraiser of the Year’ category for raising over £5000 for Alzheimers Society and striving to raise Dementia Awareness within the City of York. They have undertaken a varied number of fundraising events, including the Three Peaks Challenge, wine tasting nights, cupcake sales, Bob Dylan musical tribute nights and reading for dementia challenges all in memory of their mum, nana and great nana Sheila.
You may wonder why a business like Anderton McClements, totally unrelated to care, health or medicine have become a Dementia Friendly Business?
The answer is simple…..in the words of Mohammed Ali, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth”. An apt quote I think!
It doesn’t matter what field/business you are in, we can all make a difference. By being involved and working collaboratively with a range of partners and clients to encourage the development of dementia friendly communities in York we endeavour to assist people living with Dementia to continue to access services and enjoy fulfilled lives. It is also important for us to have an understanding for both Tenants and Landlords as we come across many reasons for why people need to let their property and why others choose to rent one. We have come across Dementia as a reason for moving closer to loved ones and the need to subsidise the home costs for a family member. We believe this will offer a greater customer service to our clients too, because it you get it right for someone with Dementia, you get it right for everyone.
Sometimes, it can be about the little things we as service providers can offer too. The power of an understanding smile, a kind word, to be both listened to and heard is sometimes overlooked. With a little more knowledge of dementia and empathy, we can, as a team, make someone’s decision processes a little easier. To know we are here to guide and make one aspect of life a little less daunting can be invaluable.
We have a personal insight and first hand experiences into dementia and so are even more committed to supporting those living with Dementia.
We wear our ‘Dementia Friend’ pins with pride and are proud to be working towards becoming a Dementia Friendly business.
