A program that started in Bobcaygeon is getting recognized across the Country. The Blue Umbrella program trains local businesses on how to interact with someone who has dementia. David Webster was the Executive Director with our local Alzheimer Society, and a part of the team that put the project together. In an interview with Moose FM, he explains one of the benefits of the Blue Umbrella program.
Once the success was recognized across Ontario, and Canada, Webster was hired as the program manager for Dementia Friendly Communities with Alzheimer Society of Ontario. Webster explains what it is that made the project recognized across Canada.
Webster’s new role is to work on rolling out the Blue Umbrella program across Ontario. He says this will involve a lot of research into different communities to find out how the program needs to be altered to fit their needs.
To keep the project moving forward, Webster says they need the resources to make that happen, so they’ve started applying for funding.
He says they hope to hire a staff person that will oversee the program in each local society. That will mean reaching out to local businesses and organizations to establish partnerships and reach out to gather a group of volunteers to carry out the program.
(Photo: Chris Kawalek, Community Social Plan Coordinator congratulates David Webster on new provincial role)