The Barnsley Third Sector Dementia Alliance, in partnership with Dementia and Me Barnsley, would like to invite you to our special ‘Let’s Talk About Dementia’ event next month.

Taking place on Wednesday 20 March from 12pm until 5pm in The Arena at Barnsley Metrodome, the event is a great opportunity to find out how we can help you and have your say.

Bringing together people with dementia, their carers, health and care professionals and third sector providers, we have lots planned for the day.

We will have drop-in sessions with information stalls where you can meet services that can help you, expert speakers and table discussions where you can share your experiences with us.

These drop-in information sessions will be taking place from 12pm until 1pm and 4pm until 5pm for anyone interested in learning more about the support available to help people in Barnsley.

Guests will also be able to try out our Dementia Experience Bus, which will simulate what it might feel like to live with dementia.

By bringing local people and professionals together, we’re excited to celebrate all the great work happening in Barnsley and work with our communities to develop our next steps for support.

Councillor Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “Dementia deeply impacts the lives of many families in our borough. The Barnsley Third Sector Dementia Alliance brings together partners who are passionate about uplifting those affected by dementia in our communities to achieve more together.

“This project holds special significance to us, reflecting our commitment to enriching the wellbeing of anyone affected by this condition in Barnsley.”

Councillor Jo Newing, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place Health and Adult Social Care, said: “In Barnsley, we’re committed to working together across health and care to make sure everyone in our communities gets the right support at the right time. We’re really excited to welcome people to Barnsley Metrodome next month for our Let’s Talk About Dementia event.

“It promises to be a jam-packed, informative afternoon where we hope to reduce the stigma around dementia, break down barriers to support and celebrate how we’re working together to support our communities.”

If you’re interested in joining us or would like any more information on Let’s Talk About Dementia, please visit the Dementia Friendly Barnsley website. Alternatively, you can email dementiaandme@barnsley.gov.uk or call 01226 773955.

We're excited to be able to share our agenda for our special 'Let's Talk About Dementia event - details included below:

• 12pm until 1pm: join us for one of our drop-in sessions. Speak to the teams that are here to help you and your loved ones living with dementia and take part in our Dementia Experience Bus.
• 1pm until 2pm: hear from the Barnsley Third Sector Dementia Alliance, the Alzheimer's Society and Barnsley Hospice about how they can help you and your loved ones.
• 2pm until 3pm: hear from a series of guest speakers about their experiences, including South Yorkshire Police's Dementia Support Network and NHS colleagues.
• 3pm until 4pm: learn more about Barnsley's Dementia Pathway and have your say on if we've got it right, including any gaps, challenges and barriers to support.
• 4pm until 5pm: join us for our second drop-in session. Speak to the teams that are here to help you and your loved ones living with dementia and take part in our Dementia Experience Bus.