Invitation to Leeds launch of new book for dementia friendly churches

Invitation to Leeds launch of new book for dementia friendly churches

Church congregants are invited to the Leeds launch of a new book offering guidance on supporting people with dementia.

Growing Dementia-Friendly Churches launches officially on Monday 1 December at St Chad’s Parish Centre in Leeds. Written by Gaynor Hammond, it provides practical advice and guidance to help churches ensure that their services are accessible and supportive for people with dementia. It is a joint initiative between the older people’s national charity MHA, the Christian Council on Ageing and Faith in Elderly People.

As well as an introduction by the author, the launch will also feature workshops on dementia-friendly churches, an introduction to new research about churchgoers who care for people with dementia and an address by MHA Chaplain Margaret Goodall.

Rev Dr Keith Albans, Director of Chaplaincy and Spirituality at MHA, said, “As the population ages and more and more people are diagnosed with dementia, churches will need to become more aware and knowledgeable about how they can continue to be welcoming and supportive.

“Churches want to make sure they are fulfilling everyone’s spiritual needs, including the needs of people with dementia, but they may not always know the best way to go about it. This book, and the workshops at the launch, will help congregants and minister to understand more about dementia, its effect on spirituality and how they can ensure that people with dementia continue to have the spiritual support that everyone needs.”

The launch will be held from 11am to 3pm at St Chad’s Parish Centre, Otley Road, Far Headingley, Leeds, LS16 5JT. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. To find out more or to book your place, please contact Kate Horton on 01332 296 200 or email Kate.Horton@mha.org.uk.