Helping to reduce the dementia stigma
School pupils sign up
Since last year Calderglen High School has been committed to supporting Alzheimer Scotland with their Dementia Friends programme.
So far over 200 pupils have gained an understanding about the condition and turned that understanding into action by raising awareness and helping to reduce the stigma.
Calderglen already runs a very successful befriending project with the town’s elderly – and aims to continue to work with Alzheimer Scotland to maintain a dementia-friendly school.
Deputy head teacher Odette Frazer said: “Calderglen is committed to making a positive contribution to life of the community and beyond and we are proud to offer continued support to Dementia Friends Scotland.
“We are a school who cares deeply about others, and we are working hard to ensure that nobody faces dementia alone.
“This month we have been busy ensuring that this year’s sixth-year pupils are trained as Dementia Friends. Our 80 new Dementia Friends aim to make every day life better for people with the condition by raising awareness and helping to change the way the nation thinks, talks and acts when it comes to dementia.
“The students were all very positive about their training and having learned about the discrimination, isolation and stigma around dementia. Calderglen pupils are committed to making a positive difference to overcome negative stereotyping attached to the condition.”
Anne McWhinnie, Dementia Friends programme manager, said: “I am delighted to work with both staff and pupils who want to make a difference in their community.”
To become a Dementia Friend, contact dementiafriends@alzscot. org