Derbyshire groups to raise awareness about dementia

New organisations aimed at raising awareness of dementia and supporting people with the condition are being set up.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th May 2016, 11:57 BST
Updated 17th May 2016, 13:05 BST
Stock picture.Stock picture.
Stock picture.

The Amber Valley Action Alliance group will launch at Florence Shipley Community Care Centre on Market Place, Heanor, between 1pm and 4pm today (Tuesday).

Meanwhile, the Erewash Dementia Action Alliance group will launch at the Ilkeston campus of Derby College at 2 Pimlico between 2pm and 5pm on Friday.

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The events will include speeches from people with dementia, their carers and a number of health professionals as well as market stalls, crafts and activities.

Almost 11,000 people aged over 65 are thought to be affected by dementia in Derbyshire.

Derbyshire County Council is setting up the organisations as part of Dementia Awareness Week, which runs until Saturday.

Councillor Paul Smith, the council’s cabinet member for adult social care, said: “We’re helping to build communities which are better equipped to serve people with dementia and their families whether that’s through support services or our prevention work.

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“We welcome the new groups and hope to see more set up in the future.”

The council is already a member of the wider Derbyshire Dementia Action Alliance along with 27 other organisations in Derbyshire which contribute to raising funds and awareness.

All members pledge to develop an action plan which outlines what they aim to do to improve the lives of residents living with dementia.

Residents can find out more about dementia and the council’s support services at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/dementia