Pupils in S1 and S2 recently completed Dementia Friends Scotland, led by Laura Whittal and Ann Williamson from the Shetland Dementia Resource Centre.

This is part of a social action movement to increase awareness of dementia and to address the stigma experienced by many people living with the illness.

Laura and Ann helped pupils to understand the 5 key messages of Dementia Friends Scotland:

• Dementia is not a natural part of ageing
• Dementia is caused by brain disease
• Dementia is not just about losing your memory
• It is possible to live well with dementia
• There is more to the person than the dementia

Pupils were then presented with a Dementia Friends badge, helping to raise further awareness of this illness, which touches many of our lives.  We plan to train S3 pupils this term. Many thanks to Ann and Laura for organising this for our pupils.