BURLEY Dementia Action Group has been busy delivering vital training to help increase dementia awareness and change the way people think, talk and act about dementia.

Last week a Dementia Friends awareness session was delivered by champion Sylvia Bergin to the reception and admin team at Grange Park Surgery in the village. This vital front-line team really appreciated the training and the practice has committed to doing a Dementia Action Plan.

And today (Thursday, May 18), a new twice monthly group is launched for people with dementia and their carers. It includes facilitated time together and time apart with activities in a relaxed, café-style setting alongside peer support for carers plus refreshments. The next session will be on Thursday, June 1 in the Parish Centre. Anyone in the area is welcome but please give prior notice via email to burleydementiafriends@gmail.com or by phone with Susan Collins on 01943 864424.

As part of Dementia Awareness Week, an open event with two speakers is being held on Sunday, May 21 in the Parish Centre from 2pm to 4pm. Dr Penny Wright will talk about her research project into the quality of life of people caring for people with dementia. Julie Simpson from the Alzheimer’s Society will share information about services for people with dementia in our area. Everyone is welcome, and there will be tea and cakes.

More dementia awareness sessions are planned for local groups. Please contact us to book one for your group.