Ipswich Buses supporting Dementia Action Week

Ipswich Buses is working with the Ipswich Dementia Action Alliance (IDAA) to support Dementia Action Week 2022, taking place 16-22 May.

IDAA aims to increase dementia awareness across the Borough of Ipswich by recruiting businesses and organisations to support the roll out of Dementia Friends’ awareness sessions, and by adopting “dementia friendly” measures.

Ipswich Buses is supporting by visiting IDAA partner Bucklesham Grange Care Home with a specially branded bus to carry out dementia friendly activities.

Events planned include the launch of dementia awareness staff training and support with Ipswich Borough Council; a singing for the brain session for residents at Bucklesham Grange Care Home with the Notoriety Choir; and the launch of a new monthly “Dementia Café”.

IDAA volunteers are also due to man a market stall on 20 May at Giles Circus in Ipswich Town Centre where visitors can learn more about dementia and IDAA’s dementia-friendly projects.

“Sadly Dementia is an illness that does not get talked about enough, and this can lead to people who live with dementia feeling isolated and alone,” says Steve Bryce, General Manager at Ipswich Buses and a trustee of IDAA. “After talking to the late Roger Fern before the first lockdown, I felt compelled to help break down the barriers that people who live with dementia face, by raising awareness to create dementia friendly activities, so that with their friends or family they can feel confident to do everyday things that we take for granted – like leaving the house, or catching the bus to go and meet their friends for a coffee, or go for a walk.”

Amanda-Jane Frank, Customer Relationship Manager at Bucklesham Grange Care Home adds: “It was so lovely meeting with Steve and seeing the Ipswich Buses double-decker bus arrive at Bucklesham Grange Care Home.

“We are very proud to be supporting IDAA and supporting Dementia Action Week. Bucklesham Grange Care Home provides care for residential, dementia residents on long-term or short-term respite. Our vision – to be recognised as the leading provider of high-quality, relationship-centred care for all residents. Relationships are so important to us every day and that’s why we’re always happy to work with IDAA and congratulate them for this week – keep up the amazing work.”