Local government Activity report
The third class of Humanitude community leaders Fukuoka City will be newly appointed!
Fukuoka City and Humanitude: Aiming for a city where everyone can live authentically
Fukuoka City launched the "Dementia-Friendly City Project" in 2018, aiming to create a city where people with dementia can live safely and independently in their familiar communities. As a core initiative of this project, the city is promoting the widespread adoption of "Humanitude".
Aiming to create a city where "all citizens participate in care," we are actively developing courses not only for families and professionals caring for people with dementia, but also for local residents, children, and students.
Training "community leaders" who will spread kindness.
In Fukuoka City, with the aim of raising awareness of Humanitude among the general public, the city is independently training "Fukuoka City Humanitude Community Leaders" (hereinafter referred to as "Community Leaders") from people rooted in their local communities.
Community leaders conduct Humanitude workshops at community centers, elementary and junior high schools, and companies, introducing the technique of conveying kindness to local residents. Currently, there are 56 registered community leaders, consisting of graduates from the first and second training courses.
And now, with the aim of further spreading Humanitude, a training course for the third cohort of trainees has been held!
A passionate instructor!
The lecturer was Sumio Yasutake, an occupational therapist at Minami Fukuoka Neurosurgery Hospital and a certified Humanitude chief instructor. He is also active in promoting Humanitude at the hospital where he currently works.
Having about 10 years of experience since encountering Humanitude, Ms. Yasutake delivered a thorough and easy-to-understand lecture on dementia and Humanitude, engaging with the participants along the way.
A new, highly motivated community leader has emerged!
For this third term, 13 participants gathered, including professionals who practice care in nursing and medical settings, all filled with enthusiasm to "spread the art of conveying kindness" and a desire to contribute to their local communities.
At the end of the course, each participant shared their passionate thoughts and strong determination for their future activities.
"While working as a professional, I realized that when I actually put Humanitude into practice, the expressions of the clients became brighter than ever before. Now that I'm a community leader, I want to use this experience to help as many people as possible learn about the techniques of Humanitude."
"Interacting with people with dementia is by no means easy. Sometimes they may raise their voices, hit you, or you may not be able to practice Humanitude as you would like. Even so, just knowing that 'these communication techniques exist' can make you feel a little more at ease. That's why I want as many people as possible to know about Humanitude."
This spring, I will finally begin my activities as a community leader. Please look forward to it!
Voices of participants in Humanitude community-based courses
Humanitude is a care technique for people with dementia, but it also serves as a foundation for communication with everyone. Participants in community-based workshops have reported experiencing its positive effects in their daily lives.
My mother was diagnosed with dementia three years ago, but I took a Humanitude course and, despite being bewildered by my mother's progressing condition, I was able to put it into practice. I'm very glad I learned it at an early stage. (Local resident)
I think this will be very important not only for people with dementia, but also in nursing and care settings. (Community resident)
I used to think that people with dementia couldn't do anything, but I learned that with the kind help of those around them, they can live together with everyone. (Elementary school student)
Upcoming Humanitude Courses
If you're interested in learning Humanitude, please join one of our local Humanitude workshops. Local leaders will explain everything in a kind and easy-to-understand way. You might find some helpful tips on how to connect with your loved ones.
Fukuoka City plans to continue offering various Humanitude courses next year. Details will be announced on the website below as soon as they are finalized.