WRITER and actress Meera Syal CBE has endorsed the launch of new multilingual resources aimed at supporting people affected by rare dementias.
Developed by Rare Dementia Support (RDS) and funded by The National Brain Appeal, the resources are available in several languages, including Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Urdu.
The goal is to make vital information more accessible to diverse communities.
Syal’s support for the initiative stems from her personal experience. "My late parents were Punjabi speakers and sadly both had dementia, with my mother’s diagnosis being a rare form called PSP (progressive supranuclear palsy)," she said.
Highlighting the need for accessible resources, she added, "It’s vital that everyone has access to information and support in a language they understand."
This #WorldAlzheimersDay, we're excited to share @RareDementia's translated resources, welcomed by @MeeraSyal, whose late parents had dementia. Info sheets & films now available in 16 languages, making information on these conditions more accessible. https://t.co/Dp0VILkwV2 pic.twitter.com/K2VLL423lB
— The National Brain Appeal (@BrainAppeal) September 21, 2024
The guidance offers information on symptoms, diagnosis, support services, and advice for carers of those with rare dementias.
Reflecting on her own family’s experience, Syal said, “Mine and my brother’s families know only too well how difficult it is to witness the impact of dementia on your loved ones. These resources will be invaluable to others going through similar experiences.”
The translated materials are now available on the RDS website, aiming to provide essential support to families and carers from diverse cultural backgrounds.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Man pleads not guilty to murder of BBC presenter's family
A 26-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering the wife and two daughters of BBC sports commentator John Hunt in a crossbow and knife attack.
Kyle Clifford, who also faces charges of rape, appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday.
Clifford, arrested in July after a manhunt, is charged with three counts of murder, one count each of rape and false imprisonment, and two counts of possessing offensive weapons – a 10-inch knife and a crossbow.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session.
He is expected to enter a plea for that charge at a later date.
The victims were Carol Hunt, 61, wife of horseracing commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
An earlier hearing revealed that Louise had been found tied up and that both she and her sister had been shot with a crossbow, while their mother had been stabbed with a knife.
The fatal attack occurred at the family’s home in Bushey, a commuter town near Watford, northwest of London.
(With inputs from AFP)