London Bangla A Force for the community…
By Muhammad Talha
London Enterprise Academy has once again shown its commitment to raising awareness by hosting Dementia Friends Information sessions as part of World Alzheimer’s Month.
Since its establishment, the school has taken an active role in supporting the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends initiative, ensuring both staff and pupils are equipped with the knowledge and empathy to support those affected by dementia.
A unique challenge for the Academy is that a number of its pupils have family members living with dementia. For these students, school life runs alongside their role as young carers, balancing lessons, homework, and exams with the daily responsibilities of supporting loved ones. By participating in Dementia Friends sessions, pupils are not only building awareness but also learning how to better support their families and communities.
In inner city areas like Tower Hamlets, dementia brings additional pressures. It intersects with issues such as overcrowded housing, health inequalities, poverty, and isolation. These challenges can leave families feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from wider support networks. The Academy’s involvement highlights the importance of schools as safe spaces where young people can talk openly about these realities.
Dementia Friends Ambassadors play an essential role in this movement. They are trained volunteers who lead sessions, challenge stigma, and empower others to take practical steps. At London Enterprise Academy, working with a Dementia Friends Ambassador has been described as a privilege, inspiring pupils and staff to see the person behind the diagnosis and act with compassion.
Dementia is one of the fastest growing health challenges in the UK, currently affecting nearly a million people, with numbers expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. Initiatives like Dementia Friends help break down myths and promote understanding, turning awareness into action across schools, workplaces, and communities.
Headteacher Ashid Ali reflected, “Raising awareness is about education, compassion, and community and we all have a part to play. At London Enterprise Academy, we believe knowledge is the first step toward action. By working together, we create a school culture where pupils feel empowered to support their loved ones and where no family feels alone.”
Muhi Mikdad, Community Engagement and Careers Lead Officer, added: “Our young people show incredible resilience. Many are carers at home, and through Dementia Friends we give them the recognition, support, and voice they deserve. This work is about strengthening families and communities.”
Emdad Rahman, Dementia Friends Ambassador, said: “It is a privilege to deliver these sessions. Every new Dementia Friend is a ripple of change, helping build a kinder, more understanding society.”
