Alex Winstanley Managing Director, Happy Smiles Blog CIC has much to smile about this week.
And we are really pleased to support his latest project.
We hope you will be smiling too as you read his story in his guest blog.
I have been trying to find the right time to write this, with everything that 2020 continues to throw at us, but realised that there is no ‘best’ time... so here it is! I am extremely proud to say that, in partnership with the incredible The Abilities In Me Children’s Book Series, I will be launching my first children’s book
- My Grandma Has Dementia.
This book will be the first in a series that will highlight different conditions, using stories inspired by real people!
I have used a successful crowd-funding campaign to fund the production of the book .
The book has already sold hundreds of copies internationally and had over 25 copies purchased by national social care charity, Community Integrated Care, to be sent out across their care homes.
The team of Inclusion Champions at my profit-for-purpose organisation, Happy Smiles Blog CIC, will be using the book for an intergenerational reading project alongside children and older people, in an attempt to battle the impact of COVID-19 on the reading ages of children and the social isolation of older people.
I was inspired to write the book by my Grandma, Mary.
When she was diagnosed with Mixed Dementia over ten years ago, our family wasn't sure what life would look like for her. It's been a journey of ups and downs for our family ever since, and we have learnt a lot along the way.
So I want to share my Grandma's story, to educate children and young people about the impact that Dementia can have on an individual and their family.
The book is already written and ready to be illustrated by the fantastic Adam Walker-Parker Illustration www.awalkerparker.com
and will be published in early 2021.
Donations from sales will also support the fight against Dementia. A huge thanks to the staff at Windsor House Care Home in Wigan, for everything you do for the residents and families!
Although we haven’t been able to see my Grandma for the past 8 months, we know that you’re doing your best to care for her and all the residents!
#LetsTalkAboutDementia