World Alzheimer's Day- Book Launch

Bluebird Care Wakefield and Kirklees to launch poetry book in support of World Alzheimer’s Day! The Director of Bluebird Care Wakefield and Kirklees, Narinder Gill, has compiled poetry and art work from members of the local community and created a book filled with human experiences and feelings towards dementia...

The Director of Bluebird Care Wakefield and Kirklees, Narinder Gill, has compiled poetry and art work from members of the local community and created a book filled with human experiences and feelings towards dementia. 

The book, called ‘Do You Still See Me?’ was launched on Friday 21st September, World Alzheimer’s Day, at the Sandal Library, the first dementia library in Wakefield. Bluebird Care invited local councillors and dignitaries from the local area, and everyone from the community and beyond are very welcome to attend.

The initiative, organised by Narinder at Bluebird Care, is being supported by the Alzheimer’s Society. The funding was sourced through the Healthy and Active Life Fund for Dementia, a fund developed by Public Health in Wakefield Council and Wakefield CCG. The book is distributed across many of Wakefield’s hospitals, doctors surgeries and pharmacies to raise awareness of a condition that so many people in the UK live with. 

Poems in the book include ‘A poem for my dad, my gentle giant, bless him’ by Stephanie Rowley, an expression of her feelings about her dad. Another is ‘Granny doesn’t know me now’, written by Kelly Green, a poem about the relationship between a grandparent who has dementia, and a grandchild. 

The ‘Do You Still See Me?’ project follows on from the ‘Squares for Care’ project that Bluebird Care Wakefield and Kirklees launched in January 2018. The campaign was nominated for an innovation award by the Alzheimer’s Society for its ability to enable and inspire others. 

Every year, World Alzheimer’s Day takes place on 21st September, and is the focus of World Alzheimer's Month. It’s an opportunity for organisations like Bluebird Care Wakefield and Kirklees and individuals around the world to raise awareness, highlight issues faced by people affected by dementia and demonstrate how we can overcome them to help people live well with the condition.

Narinder Gill, Director at Bluebird Care Wakefield and Kirklees, said: 
“Following on from the success of the ‘Squares for Care’ project, I wanted to lead another project that would involve the local community, whilst raising awareness of dementia. I am so happy to see the finished book – so many people have put a lot of effort and emotion into creating this with me, and it is wonderful that we can now share it with the world. Do come down to the Library on the morning of 21st September – we look forward to seeing you all there.”

People from that helped and went to the event said- 
"A fantastic opportunity as a beginner writer, and it makes me so proud to be able to help raise awareness for a cause so close to my heart"- Beth Hudson 

"A beautiful day! Beautiful poems which clearly mean a great deal to the writers! A cause that is going to be close to our hearts"- Donna & Grace Litchfield 

"Such a personal and thoughtful project <3 and I'm pleased I could be a part of it"- Steph Rowley

"Wonderful Project and beautiful book- fantasti c cause to help increase awareness and understanding"- Donni Casey Pyramid8 Recruitment