Leeds-based BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise has appointed Sean Kelly as its first Dementia Champion, with a focus on raising awareness and embedding dementia-friendly practices across the organisation.
A supporter of the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends initiative, Unity is also a member of the West Yorkshire Dementia-ready Housing Taskforce, which works to create ‘dementia-ready’ homes and communities to help people live independently for longer.
It has developed 10 specific design criteria for housing, such as distinctive front doors, better lighting, and accessible, safe environments.
“I am proud to be playing a lead role in strengthening Unity’s commitment to becoming a dementia-friendly organisation, supporting our tenants and staff through better understanding, practical action and future-focused housing design,” Sean said.
“Several of my colleagues will join me in attending training sessions arranged by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, co-funded by the West Yorkshire Housing Partnership and delivered by the Alzheimer’s Society,” he explained.
“These will help us to better support our tenants by sharing dementia guidance, signposting to trusted support services, and having more conversations about the impact the disease can have on individuals and families.
“By improving awareness, we will be better placed to recognise when someone may need additional assistance and ensure they receive the right help at the right time.”
Sean – who will combine his new responsibilities with his role as Unity’s Regeneration Manager – said a key task will be to ensure all new Unity homes are designed to be dementia-friendly, using design principles that help people living with dementia to remain safe, comfortable and independent in their own homes for longer.
He added:
“Where possible, we will also apply these principles to our existing homes, helping to future-proof properties so tenants can continue to live and grow within their home and community as their needs change.”
Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, commented:
“Being dementia-friendly organisation is not a single action, but a collective effort across Unity.
“Through leadership, awareness and practical design, we are helping to create an environment where people affected by dementia feel understood, supported and able to live well.”
