Dementia in the spotlight for local service clubs

The Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West invited Dementia Australia representative Liz Withall to provide some information regarding dementia awareness during a combined service club meeting on Sugust 29. Liz highlighted some important factors for brain health including visiting the GP for regular health checks, eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of exercise, challenging your brain and socialising with others. This is a good reminder in the lead up to Dementia Australia’s Dementia Action Week running from September 18-22. This year’s theme is Act Now for a Dementia-Friendly Future. Since 2019, the focus of the Dementia Action Week campaign has been to reduce stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with dementia and their carers.

Communities that take action to become dementia-friendly have:

• less fear and a greater understanding of dementia
• less stigma and discrimination
• more support and better systems for people living with dementia to live well in their community for longer.

During Dementia Action Week, we encourage you to reach out to your community and learn more about the needs of people living with dementia, their families and carers who are living in your area.

For further information about Dementia Action Week visit https://www.dementia.org.au/dementia-actionweek. For further information about Dementia including accessing services and support please contact the

National Dementia Helpline that is available 24hrs a day, 7 days a week on: 1800 100 500.

TACKLING DEMENTIA: Combined Mt Gambier Service clubs met to hear from Liz Withall from Dementia Australia – Ray Herbert (President Rotary Club of Mt Gambier West), Lyn Fulton (Secretary Lions Club of Blue Lake City Lioness), Liz Withall (Dementia Australia), Beccy Field (President Lions Club of Mt Gambier) & Sherril McKay (Immediate Past President Rotary Club of Mt Gambier Lakes)