A CAMPAIGN to tackle the stigma and lack of understanding around dementia has got the support of a Bradford on Avon volunteer.

Libby Miles, Client Services Manager for Wiltshire Heights Care Home, is running a free ‘Dementia Friends’ information session on Tuesday, May 22 and is looking for local people to come along.

The one-hour session will take place at St Margaret’s Hall, Bradford on Avon at 2pm – kindly sponsored by the Bradford on Avon Town Council.

It is taking place during Dementia Action Week, from May 21 to 25, and is part of a programme of events and activities taking place in Bradford on Avon to support the campaign.

Having volunteered to be a Dementia Friends Champion, Libby is now delivering Dementia Friends sessions to people across Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

She said: “I signed up to be a Dementia Friends Champion because I want to break the myths about dementia and demonstrate how just a few simple actions can make a massive difference for people living in our local communities.

“It’s easy to get involved. I attended a training course, receive ongoing support and I’m now proud to be part of a growing network of people creating dementia-friendly communities together.”

Joanna Maylon, Dementia Friends Regional Support Officer at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Dementia touches the lives of millions of people across the country.

“Dementia Friends was launched to tackle the stigma and lack of understanding that means many people with the condition experience loneliness and social exclusion. It’s all about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help.

“From getting in touch with someone you know living with dementia to wearing your badge with pride, every action counts.”

The Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme is the country’s biggest-ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the nation thinks, talks and acts about the condition.

Dementia Friends is about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help. From telling friends about the Dementia Friends programme to visiting someone you know living with dementia, every action counts.

There are currently 850,000 people living with the condition in England.

Anyone wanting to attend the Dementia Friends Session should contact Libby Miles by email on libby.miles@porthaven.co.uk or by phone on 01225 435600 or you can book directly through the Dementia Friends website.

People can also get involved in Dementia Friends through an online video. Go to www.dementiafriends.org.uk to find out more.

Dementia Action Week Programme

Monday, May 21 – The new Social Café, St Margaret’s Hall, 9am to 11.30am;

Tuesday, May 22 – Dementia Awareness Session, St Margaret’s Hall, 2pm to 3pm;

Wednesday, May 23 – 1960s Revival Day, Wiltshire Heights Care Home, 2.30pm – 4.30pm;

Thursday, May 24 – Cake Concert, Wiltshire Music Centre, from 2pm;

Thursday, May 24 – A showing of the film Still Alice, St Margaret’s Hall, 7.30pm;

Friday, May 25 – Trinity Café with special guests The Little Nightingales, Holy Trinity Church, 2pm to 4pm.

Please see social media, websites and individual event posters for more information.

The programme is sponsored by Bradford on Avon Dementia Action Alliance.