By Stephanie Holliday
IN a bid to raise dementia awareness, well over 100 people joined Mick Simpson on Mick’s Memory Walk around Victoria Lake Park on Sunday.
“What a great turnout we had on Sunday. It was wonderful to see people out there, walking in the name of awareness of this somewhat invisible condition. It can be an incredibly isolating diagnosis to face, but with social support, and the right community, it doesn’t have to be a path people forge on their own,” said Mick.
Dementia Advocate and the walk’s namesake, Mick Simpson, received this year’s Kyabram citizen of the year and Campaspe citizen of the year awards. Mick’s determination to reduce the stigma, and support others with dementia and their carers, is a testament to his passion that those living with dementia need not let their diagnosis define them.
Dementia is a disease that does not discriminate, it takes away the memories and shared experiences that help us connect with each other, but people living with dementia can still lead socially rich and fulfilling lives.
Given it affects so many people across our nation, it’s time to get the conversation flowing and remove the stigma facing such a diagnosis can incite. For information about a localised dementia support group, call KCLC on 5852 0000 or email kclc@kclc.com.au. All newcomers are welcome with the group meeting on the last Thursday each month at 1pm.
