Courtyard and HFC mascots become Dementia Friends!

As the first Dementia Friendly arts centre in the UK, The Courtyard are committed to making Herefordshire dementia friendly, and so run free dementia friends sessions each month for staff, stewards and members of the public.

This week, ahead of our dementia friendly performance of The Goal (a Courtyard production in partnership with Hereford Football Club), The Courtyard mascot Cookie the Bear and Hereford Football Club mascot Edgar the Bull attended a Dementia Friends training session to learn more about dementia and the little things they can do to help those around them who are living with it.

“It was fantastic to learn more about dementia in the training session.” Said Cookie the Courtyard Bear, “I didn’t know that it is not just something that affects older people, but can affect anyone at any age. I’ve learned lots of ways that I can help make the lives of those living with dementia a little easier and I’m wearing my Dementia Friends badge with pride!”

Anyone can become a Dementia Friend by signing up for one the free training sessions at The Courtyard. The interactive sessions last around an hour and by the end, participants should leave feeling more confident in their understanding of dementia.

Adult Participation Manager, Penny Allen who delivers the sessions said “Having Cookie and Edgar join us for a session was brilliant – dementia isn’t something that should be whispered about. Being proud to support those living with dementia is a wonderful thing and I am so happy The Courtyard and Hereford Football Club are committed to becoming dementia friendly from the CEO to the mascot….although I think Cookie was cheating during our bingo warm up!”

If you have a friend or relative living with dementia, this session is a great way to learn more about their experience of life. Dementia Friends training sessions happen monthly, call 01432 340555 to book your place now.