Talking about dementia gets personal
4th June 2025
What a pleasure to host Dementia Friendly Leeds' creative showcase 2025. An inspiring event which saw me have some very appropriate Forget Me Not face painting (thanks Emma Brown). However I then completely forgot about it until the woman in the chemist complimented me on my fetching blue and yellow facial adornment. It was a privilege to chat to:
* the hugely talented Duncan Goodwin from Channel 4’s 'The Piano' who performed with his fabulous wife Fran (Duncan lives with dementia)
* members of the DEEP group (Dementia Engagement Empowerment Project) who turned the tables, interviewing me about caring for my Mum - this was the deeply personal part for me
* Dr Ben Alderson from Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust demystifying dementia, diagnosis and talking about the help available
* Brian Sugden not only reading but singing his beautiful poems about looking after his late wife Audrey (supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK)
* writer Chris O’Connor about his new play 'Through It All Together' inspired by his personal connections to dementia and Leeds United, alongside the brilliant Dr Nicky Taylor from Leeds Playhouse and Leeds Beckett University
I got, as I always do talking about dementia, a tad emotional. Bringing folk together like this is so important and I've not even mentioned the stalls, stands and disco! Hats off to the inspiring Tim Sanders from Leeds City Council and powerhouse Elizabeth Griffin at Leeds Older People’s Forum for making this very special day at Pudsey Civic Hall so memorable. Humbling.
Do get in touch if you think I might be able to work with you in any way, whether it’s hosting a live event (particularly one about dementia), a live or recorded radio show, role playing, talking about broadcasting and journalism, media training, recording a voiceover or something else entirely: https://www.theandrewedwards.com/contact
