"Being a Dementia Friend gives you the opportunity to put yourself in the shoes of people with dementia and understand how you can help in your community." - Elpida Vounzoulaki
Dementia Friend Elpida tells us all about what inspired her to join the Dementia Friends movement, and the huge impact it's had on her life, both personally and professionally.
Tell us a bit about your experience of dementia and why you decided to become a Dementia Friend.
Being a clinician now working full time in research, I have previously worked in hospitals where I often saw people with dementia. I decided to become a Dementia Friend because I feel that while the majority of people know about the condition, they are not truly aware of how people with the condition are living.
Being a Dementia Friend gives you the opportunity to put yourself in the shoes of people with dementia and understand how you can take actions, even small ones, and help in your community.
Did you watch our video or attend an interactive virtual Session?
I became a Dementia Friend by attending a virtual Session. I really enjoyed the Session and thought it was very useful and easy to understand. The structure, the length and the material of the session was very well-organised and comprehensive.
What was your favourite part of the Session?
The bookcase analogy was my favourite part of the Session. It explains really well how memory works for people living with dementia and gives you loads of insight.
How have you made changes in your day-to-day life since becoming a Dementia Friend?
Becoming a Dementia Friend has given me more perspective in day-to-day life. It has made me understand that we are all capable of making a difference and contributing to making our communities more dementia friendly. It has also given me motivation to raise awareness about the condition, take part in fundraising events and volunteer more for the cause.
I believe more and more people should aim to become Dementia Friends. There are little things you can do, such as helping someone in the supermarket or in the bus, that can have a big impact.
Any words of wisdom for someone who is thinking of becoming a Dementia Friend?
It will honestly change your life in many ways - from learning more about the condition to taking action to help. Becoming a Dementia Friend is open for everyone, takes little time and can have a major impact for people living with dementia!
Thank you Elpida, we're so happy to have you on board!
Join Elpida, and over 3 million others in the UK - become a Dementia Friend today.
