The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Victoria Atkins MP, has shared a message of support for Alicia Kearns MP's dementia awareness campaign, 'Rutland's Great Dementia Conversation.'

Alicia's campaign aims to drive up dementia awareness, improve diagnosis rates and make Rutland communities and businesses more dementia friendly – ultimately hopefully leading to Rutland becoming the first Dementia Friendly County in the UK.

The campaign officially launched on 20th April 2024 with the support of John and Nula Suchet at an event held in Oakham. The campaign has also received support from Stephen Fry. Alzheimer's Society Ambassador Angela Rippon will attend an event in Rutland on Friday 28th June 2024.

Victoria Atkins MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said: "I want to congratulate Alicia and everyone involved in Rutland's Great Dementia Conversation. As part of this Government's plan to make our health care system faster, simpler and fairer,

"I want to see every person with dementia receive high-quality, compassionate care, from diagnosis through to end of life. It is also vitally important that people caring for loved ones with dementia can access the information and support that they need, so Rutland is setting a brilliant example in its drive to become the first Dementia Friendly County."

Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton, said: "It is fantastic to have the Secretary of State's backing for Rutland's Great Dementia Conversation, showing just how important this campaign is to raise awareness and improve our understanding of dementia.

"The aim is to make our communities in Rutland more dementia friendly and supportive of those living with dementia in our county. Together we have started a county-wide conversation about dementia."

The video of support from Victoria Atkins can found watched via this unlisted YouTube link. 

Further information on Rutland's Great Dementia Campaign can be found here.