Learning about dementia at Sinai Synagogue
Members of Sinai Synagogue Leeds attended Dementia Friends information sessions to learn a little more about what it is like to live with dementia and to turn that understanding into action.
Dementia Friends Champion Aisha Butt recently led one evening and one Sunday afternoon session.
Aisha said: “Both sessions were twice as long as regular Dementia Friends sessions. This extra time created the opportunity and safe space for discussion for people who have loved ones living with dementia to share their experiences, and for those with anxiety about dementia to let go of the myths and stigma associated with dementia. I am pleased to say that Sinai is the first synagogue in Leeds to be part of the Dementia Friendly community and I am proud to have been the catalyst for this initiative in Sinai”.
Participant Val Mogendorff said: “We’re really fortunate that Aisha was able to lead these sessions so that we are educated in helping to create dementia friendly communities. I think we’re all aware that, for various reasons, there’s a lot of fear around dementia. I was amazed to learn that one in three people over 65 will develop dementia and that there are over 100 types of dementia”.
Sinai’s Assistant Rabbi, Esther Hugenholtz, commented: “I am really proud that my community was able to facilitate an informative, compassionate and open-hearted session that allowed us to learn from each other, share concerns and share tips on how to support those in the community with dementia and their loved ones. I look forward to Sinai developing itself as a dementia-friendly community”.
Would you like to know more about these issues?
Become an Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friend for the Jewish community
Attend a free session at Jewish Care in London
When: Tuesday 28 April
Time: 7.30 -9.00pm
Learn what it’s like to live with dementia and turn that understanding into action, for example helping someone find the right bus or being patient in a till queue if someone with dementia is taking longer to pay. Every action counts. Become a Dementia Friend today! It isn’t about volunteering or fundraising (though you can do that too if you want) it’s about understanding dementia and helping to make a difference.
