MORE than 440 Scouts in Surrey have become Dementia Friends, thanks to a partnership between Alzheimer’s Society and the Scouts Association.

As part of the ‘A Million Hands’ partnership’ between Alzheimer’s Society and The Scout Association, which started in October 2015, 445 Scouts in Surrey have taken action on dementia.

As Dementia Friends, these young people are joining the biggest ever social movement to change the way people think, talk and act about dementia. Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends helps to tackle the stigma and lack of understanding around dementia that means many people with the condition experience loneliness and social exclusion.

Sue Rennie, Alzheimer’s Society operations manager for Surrey, said: “It’s inspiring to see a new generation taking action to support people living with dementia in Surrey. With 16,252 people living with dementia in Surrey, and 1 million people predicted to have the condition in the UK by 2025, it’s vital that young people learn about dementia and the small actions they can take to support those living with the condition.

“Every action counts - from hosting a dementia-friendly event to visiting someone living with the condition, we believe young people have the power to change the lives of people affected by dementia.”

Across the UK, a staggering 20,000 scouts have become Dementia Friends through 804 Dementia Friends sessions; challenging each young person to commit to one action and learn the five Dementia Friends principles. Now the charity is calling on young people across Surrey to unite against dementia and become Dementia Friends.

Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity, funding research into the cause, care, cure and prevention of all types of dementia and committing to spend at least £150 million on research over the next decade.

To book a dementia friends session, visit dementiafriends.org.uk. To find out more about the ‘A Million Hands’ project, visit amillionhands.org.uk.