GÉLÉ TEA, the couture fashion show and afternoon tea event that highlights the traditional African head dress, is aiming once again to raise awareness of dementia.
On Saturday, November 15, organisers of the event are hoping to mobilize the support of the community in highlighting the disease, as well as create a memory box full of ideas to help black and minority ethnic (BME) people who are living with it.
EMPHASIS
Though the event is fashion orientated and incorporates the tradition of partaking in afternoon tea, the emphasis will be on educating people about the impact of the disease, highlighted by a special theme song written for the event called Memories, by singer Lanre. It aims to encourage people to think about how they can make a difference to those affected by dementia.
Gélé Tea spokesperson, Edward Boateng, said: “We held a roundtable discussion with the leading dementia organisations in 2011 to examine how to raise awareness among BME groups as there did not appear to be much information aimed at BMEs and African Caribbeans, so it is good to see how things are progressing though we would still like to see more representation.”
Statistics from the Runneymede Trust estimate that approximately 25,000 people from BME groups are living with dementia and the figure is predicted to rise to nearly 50,000 by 2026 and 172,000 by 2051.
Mental health experts have pointed to a need to address the situation in BME communities and tackle the stigma associated with it – something that is now being addressed by key organisations.
Boateng added that many guests attending this year’s event would be able to talk about dementia in a safe space for the first time. They will also be able to seek confidential advice from nurse specialist consultant Morejoy Saineti.
“The focus is on helping people live well with the disease and appearance and nutrition will be part of this. It is important for Gélé Tea to help challenge perceptions of what dementia looks like,” said Boateng.
South London librarian Gita Meester, who will be attending the event, said there are some simple things that can be done to help someone who may be suffering from the disease.
DIFFERENCE
Recalling her experience with a friend she knew who had dementia, Meester explained that proximity to items that are familiar made a big difference with the disease.
She said: “She was a former seamstress who suffered from mild dementia. She would get very anxious at times but was at ease when surrounded by items from her former profession. She would go into her machine room, finger the buttons, touch the material and just feel peace.”
Gele stylist LARA
TOP DESIGNER: Gélé stylist Lara Extravaganza will unveil her latest collection at this year’s Gélé Tea
The multicultural event, which will be held at London’s Tower Grange Hotel, also aims to provide visibility for one of the continent’s most recognised fashion items, gele head ties.
Boateng said: “Gélé Tea is an event where the head tie takes centre stage along with other forms of headwear. It is putting gele on the map in a unique way. The point about Gélé Tea is that it is named in honour of somebody who appreciated the art form. By promoting Gélé as couture, we have drawn attention to the Queen of Head ties and its cultural significance in Africa and the diaspora.”
A range of new collections will be launched at Gélé Tea 2014 by leading couture designers.
Design house Kosibah is set to unveil its new range of African inspired wedding gowns, Adebayo Jones and Lyze Hats will also show guests their latest work and Clarisica Gill will launch additions to the Gelina collection that went global.
New designer ShollyJaay is expected to unveil black and white wedding gowns made from Aso Oke, the ceremonial fabric from Nigeria, while Lara Extravaganza will demonstrate how to tie a Gele, live, as she recently did on BBC television.
Coach of the Year and author Jenny Garrett, executive coach Janice B Gordon, Sandra Parris of the networking organisation Women Who Lunch and Toulou Organics founder Andrea Lawrence all have practical knowledge that can help people manage their situation. It demonstrates that we all have a role to play in improving the lifestyles of people with dementia.
Gélé Tea will end with the launch of the Gelestoire collection of couture gélés, the first in the UK with designs from leading stylists Signachore, Lara Extravaganza and Juliet Onyeka. It is going to be head raising experience.
Gélé Tea November 15. Tower Grange Hotel. Tickets 35.00 @gele_tea Facebook Gélé Tea
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