Janine GriffithsA Leeds-based housing association has appointed its first Dementia Champion in a move aimed at improving awareness and support for residents living with the condition.
Unity Homes and Enterprise, which has long-standing roots in Chapeltown and now works across areas including Harehills, Beeston and Holbeck, has named Sean Kelly to the new role. He will lead efforts to embed dementia-friendly thinking across the organisation and help shape how homes are designed and managed.
The appointment forms part of Unity’s wider work with the West Yorkshire Dementia-ready Housing Taskforce, which is focused on creating homes and neighbourhoods that help people live independently for longer.
The association has already developed 10 design principles for new housing, including clearer signage, distinctive front doors, improved lighting and safer, more accessible layouts.
Sean Kelly, who will continue in his role as Regeneration Manager, said the work would combine design changes with staff training and better day-to-day awareness.
“I am proud to be playing a lead role in strengthening Unity’s commitment to becoming a dementia-friendly organisation, supporting our tenants and staff through better understanding, practical action and future-focused housing design,” he said.
He added that staff will take part in training sessions delivered by the Alzheimer’s Society, aimed at improving conversations around dementia and helping teams signpost residents to support services.
Unity said a key part of the role will be ensuring all new homes are designed with dementia-friendly principles in mind, while also adapting existing properties where possible to better support residents as their needs change.
Cedric Boston, Chief Executive of Unity Homes and Enterprise, said the approach would require organisation-wide commitment.
“Being a dementia-friendly organisation is not a single action, but a collective effort across Unity,” he said.
“Through leadership, awareness and practical design, we are helping to create an environment where people affected by dementia feel understood, supported and able to live well.”
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