The Lord Mayor’s Appeal 2008-2009
A message from the Lord Mayor
I have chosen as the Lord Mayor’s Charity for 2008/09 the Bradford Branch of the Alzheimer’s Society. This might be seen as an unusual choice. But the group are based in Bradford District and already have a track record of invaluable work over many years. Talking to people it is difficult to find anyone who does not know a family member or friend who has suffered the debilitating effects of dementia, frequently lasting over many years.
But I could not advocate the case for the Bradford Branch of the Alzheimer’s Society better than by Ron Hamer, Chairman of the Bradford Branch, when he wrote asking that the group be considered as the charity supported by the Lord Mayor’s Appeal in 2008/09.
“Unfortunately we are not a popular cause. We do not cater for small animals or small children. We don’t deal with an illness that can be courageously battled against and overcome. We have instead people with what is often perceived as a mental illness.” Here we have a group that is often overlooked, with a stigma attached to their disability, and an illness that people would rather not think about. We need to raise awareness of dementia and support the increasing number of people whose lives are touched by Alzheimer’s”
About the Society
The Alzheimer’s Society exists for people with dementia and their carers. Set up by two carers in 1979 because there was so little information and support for people living with dementia, the Society now has a central base in London, a Dementia Helpline and a network of around 260 branches and support groups throughout the country. Although we are called the ‘Alzheimer’s Society’, we support people affected by all forms of dementia and memory loss.
The Society has a vision of a radically improved world for people with dementia. A world where they have their rights recognised, where they can fully contribute to family and community life and where they can live with dignity, free from discrimination. A world where they, and those who care for them, have their needs fully met.
We believe that people with dementia and those who care for them have the right to high quality services and support. We work to achieve this through a combination of personal support, information, campaigning, awareness raising and training. People with dementia will always be at the centre of everything we do.
Carers and people with dementia inform our work at all stages and are involved in everything we do. They help us to deliver training, they are consulted on research priorities, they make up the majority of our committees and volunteers and they inspire us at all times. It is their expertise and dedication that has made the Society what it is today.
About dementia
Dementia is a general term used to describe a variety of conditions which affect the way the brain functions. It is usually progressive and eventually severe. There is no cure for dementia although there are drugs which can alleviate some of the symptoms for some people for a limited amount of time.
Although age is the biggest risk factor in developing dementia, it can affect people at any age. Dementia affects people from all communities, educational levels and backgrounds.
Dementia doesn’t simply affect the person with the condition, it has profound affects on close family and friends too. Anyone who knows someone with dementia will be touched by it and by how the person with dementia deals with it.
And most of us will know someone with dementia. It affects about 700,000 people in the UK and over 5,200 in the Bradford Metropolitan district. There are 104 local people under the age of 65 who have dementia.
The 2007 report Dementia UK makes it quite clear that the numbers of people with dementia will increase in the future and that this very serious issue must be addressed now.
About Bradford branch
Bradford branch of the Alzheimer’s Society was re-launched in 1995. Our office base is on North Parade although we cover the whole of the Bradford Metropolitan District and make every effort to make our presence felt in Bingley, Ilkley, Keighley and Shipley as well here in Bradford.
We employ family support workers who visit people in their own homes and provide telephone support to anyone with concerns about dementia. With the help of volunteers, we also run a befriending scheme for people with dementia who live alone. Our Better Safe project aims to give extra support and education to families to prevent abuse. Monthly support groups and cafés across the district allow carers and people with dementia to meet for friendship and mutual support. Social events and outings take place during the year too. Some younger people with dementia and their carers have a short break in September and some former carers have just had their first break together.
About money
Bradford branch provides all its services free of charge. However, as we grow to meet the increased demand from the local community, our expenditure also continues to rise.
The branch receives general support from the national organisation but financially we are responsible for finding all of our own funding. We receive substantial grants from Bradford & Airedale Teaching PCT, Bradford District Care Trust, Bradford Council Carers Grant and Comic Relief. But that still leaves us with a shortfall on the budget sheet.
You have a vital part to play
Local people play an absolutely vital part in our services. Without such support - organising fundraising activities and making voluntary donations - we would not be able to continue to provide for our community. In other words, if you can support us, we can support you.
The money we raise together for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal will benefit local people whose lives are affected by dementia. It will ensure we are in a strong position to meet the challenge of the future as well as allowing us to get our message out to more people today.
Together we really can make a difference.
Councillor Howard Middleton
Lord Mayor
