AN MP is backing an initiative to help support people with dementia.

Stuart Andrew and his staff met with Horsforth councillor Val Wood-Robinson a trained volunteer with Dementia Friends to understand how to support people living with dementia. The programme is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It was launched to tackle the stigma and lack of understanding that means many people with the condition experience loneliness and social exclusion.

Mr Andrew, MP for Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough, said: "I warmly welcome this valuable initiative and the efforts of Councillor Val Wood-Robinson to make Horsforth a dementia friendly town. I was interested to learn more about the small changes that we can all make in our daily interactions which can help people who are living with dementia.

"We should all be mindful that one in fourteen over 65 year olds has some form of dementia and an increased awareness about what this condition means can make all the difference to people we meet in our daily lives.

"I would like to commend the work of Horsforth Town Council and Dementia Friends on this issue and encourage local businesses and organisations to become dementia friendly."