S.U.C.C.E.S.S. launches new dementia awareness program for immigrant communities thanks to federal grant

For Immediate Release
Jan. 31, 2022

Vancouver, BC – S.U.C.C.E.S.S. has launched a new program to support people with dementia and their families, thanks to funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada which will provide more than $9.5 million for 15 projects aiming to raise awareness of dementia and promote dementia-inclusive communities across Canada.

Our Culturally-Appropriate Dementia Awareness & Education Project for Diverse Immigrant Communities program offers tailored dementia awareness and educational workshops in Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, and Farsi to members of immigrant communities in British Columbia.

“Awareness and education are key to reduce the stigma of dementia,” said Queenie Choo, CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. “Yet we know this health information is often not available to immigrant seniors in a way that is culturally-relevant or in a language they can understand, so we’re going to change that.”

More than one-third of Canadians indicate that they would feel uncomfortable telling their employer, neighbours, or others about a dementia diagnosis, according to government research, and yet nearly 452,000 Canadian seniors live with dementia and face biases.

“Many Canadians are, or will be, impacted by dementia through a personal diagnosis or that of a loved one,” Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos said in a release. “That’s why we are working to reduce the stigma surrounding dementia while increasing understanding of the condition and its risk factors. Through this funding, we’re taking a significant step towards promoting healthy ageing and creating more inclusive and supportive communities for people living with dementia, their families, and caregivers.”

The government has committed $40 million over five years to support implementation of elements of Canada’s national dementia strategy. The Dementia Strategic Fund (DSF) and Dementia Community Investment (DCI) grants support programs that promote awareness of dementia, improve quality of life for people with dementia, reduce the risk of developing dementia, tackle stigma and create dementia-inclusive communities.

The first session, “Introduction to Dementia and Brain Health” kicked off in January with speaker Ms. Sharon Tong, who works as a Support and Education Coordinator at the Alzheimer Society of B.C. It included teaching on brain health and dementia risk factors, as well as mental health, social isolation, diet and exercise with the aim of maintaining healthy behaviours to reduce or delay dementia onset.

Our free dementia education program is designed for diverse immigrant communities, particularly members with no or limited English ability. The education is offered in virtual workshops open to interested members of the public, people living with dementia, their caregivers and family members.

The Culturally-Appropriate Dementia Awareness and Education Project for Diverse Immigrant Communities runs until March 31, 2023. Contact Program Assistant Negin Taassob at [email protected] or call 236-880-1871 for information.

Read more about our program and register: https://successbc.ca/dementia-education/

Read the government news release: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2022/01/government-of-canada-invests-in-projects-that-raise-awareness-of-dementia-and-promote-dementia-inclusive-communities0.html

About S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
Founded in 1973, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is one of the largest social service agencies in Canada. Our multicultural, non-profit charitable organization offers a wide range of programs and services that promote the belonging, wellness, and independence of people at all stages of their Canadian journey. Programs and services are offered in the areas of newcomer settlement, English language training, employment and entrepreneurship, family, youth and seniors programming, health education, community development, seniors care and affordable housing. Learn more at: successbc.ca.

For more information
Elaine O’Connor
Director, Strategic Communications and Partnerships
S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
236-880-1392
[email protected]

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