Maldon's Plume Academy has been awarded accreditation for "working to become a Dementia-Friendly Community", by the Alzheimer's Society.

A dementia-friendly community is a service, place, city, town, or village where people with dementia are understood, respected, and supported.

Plume Academy has worked closely with the Alzheimer's Society and the Maldon Dementia Action Alliance to identify how it can support and improve the services those with dementia use in the Maldon District. 

Dementia-friendly communities are vital in helping people live with dementia as best as they possibly can while remaining part of their own family and community. 

The Academy has supported Dementia Friends sessions for its students and promoted dementia inclusion in Maldon High Street. It has also supported the Alzheimer's Society's Dementia Action Week.

Sarah Troop-Lasker, Chair of the Maldon District Dementia Action Alliance, and Director of Maldon & District CVS, said: "We are really pleased to award Plume Academy with the accreditation.

"Students and teachers have been really engaged and interested in learning about how we can all support people to live well with dementia, and have worked hard to develop a meaningful plan that will continue to educate our young people on the challenges people face".

"We are really pleased to award Plume Academy with the accreditation." Sarah Troop-Lasker, Chair of the Maldon District Dementia Action Alliance, and Director of Maldon & District CVS

Maldon District Councillor Carlie Mayes, Deputy Chair of the Alliance, added: "As an 'alumina' parent of Plume Academy, I am delighted that Plume Academy has gained this accreditation.

"It reflects the hard work and commitment the Academy has towards all communities across the District, especially those who face, or may face, living with dementia.

"The drive that students, teachers, staff and parents have is to be commended and I look forward to seeing their future aspirations coming to fruition". 

Those wishing to get involved, or to learn more about the Maldon Dementia-Friendly Community, should contact Sarah Troop-Lasker via email.

To view a copy of Plume Academy's dementia-friendly plan, contact Chris Barton via email.