MUSIC and movement classes are helping to give people with Alzheimer’s and dementia their independence back through song and dance.

A range of new services to support people living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s have been launched in Marlborough.

Run by Alzheimer’s Support, Wiltshire’s first Music and Movement for the Mind class in Mildenhall combines two activities to give those living with memory loss a much needed way to express themselves.

An advice drop in centre has also been relaunched in Marlborough library, which aims to combat worries people have about their memory and ensure early diagnosis is possible.

Stephany Bardzil, of Alzheimer's Support, said: “Anyone who is worried about memory loss can speak to one our team members. Tina Perryman and Gaynor Mapp have years of dementia care experience between them and can offer some really sensible advice. It is for people who want to be a little bit more informed about Alzheimer’s and get pointed in the right direction of support available out there for them.”

A memory café attended by over 50 people in December will take place again in February following the success of the afternoon which allowed carers to meet and share experiences of living with someone with the illness.

Andrew Jack, Marlborough community area manager for Wiltshire Council, said: “It was a really great atmosphere and everyone got involved. The session was run by Alzheimer’s Support but you do not need to have Alzheimer’s to come along, you could have dementia or any form of memory loss.

“The sessions are designed to be fun but also to give a chance for carers to chat and listen to each other in a social way.”

The session included activities for people with memory problems and was run from the lounge of Savernake View Care Home on Salisbury Road. The drop in centre at the library on the High Street will run from 2-4pm every Tuesday afternoon.