To start conversations about dementia, and to create a safe space for people to talk about the disease, a new character, Mr Alzheimer's, has been created by Salford Inspire, an Age UK Salford dementia awareness project, together with the school councils from St John's CE primary and St Andrew's CofE primary.
And, over the next couple of years, every Salford primary school will receive a campaign pack that includes Mr Alzheimer's teddy, introduction post cards for family and friends, puzzles and games, a Mr Alzheimer's Goes to Toyland story book, a diary and a bag.
The Mr Alzheimer's Goes To School Campaign launches this Friday 17th May at Buile Hill Park Hall, between 1pm and 3:30pm, with the newly published book, Mr Alzheimer's Goes to Toyland, and includes a shadow puppet performance of the story by Salford school children. All Salford primary school teachers and school councils are invited.*
The concept came about via Dr Joy Watson, who is living with dementia and designed the Mr Alzheimer's teddy bear to help her granddaughters to understand how the disease made her feel. Mr Alzheimer's has a happy side in yellow and a sad side in blue.
Joy and Emma Smith, who are both employed by Age UK Salford on the Salford Inspire project, wanted to do something that would get young people talking more about dementia, and worked with the primary school pupils to develop the concept.
"We have been blown away by the enthusiasm of the students involved in the campaign, from planning and delivering school assemblies through to their wonderful input in to the story" says Dr Watson "We are absolutely delighted that these students will be the ones to deliver the shadow puppet performance for the launch."
A key component of the campaign will be the Stitchers and Stuffers group which starts in June and will bring together people who want to help make the Mr Alzheimer's teddy bears to go into schools and libraries.
Mr Alzheimer's Goes To School Launch
Friday 17th May 1pm - 3:30pm
Buile Hill Park Hall
Primary schools can get free tickets for the launch – click here to book
Anyone interested in joining the Stitchers and Stuffers groups or who needs any further information can email Emma Smith at esmith@ageuksalford.org.uk
For more details see the Salford Inspire Mr Alzheimer's Goes To School Facebook page - click here
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