VOLUNTEERS working to make Ilkley a better community for those with dementia and their carers are ready to build on their efforts.

Over the last year 250 people in the town have signed up with Dementia Friendly Ilkley Action (DFIA) to become dementia friends and 20 local businesses are working towards becoming dementia friendly. Alison Eagle, volunteer co-ordinator for Dementia Friendly Ilkley Action said this was only the start of their efforts: "No-one knows who will be affected by dementia, it could be your family, friends, work colleagues," she said.

"They may already have been diagnosed or be supporting someone living with it, but you do not know. DFIA want to raise awareness of dementia and to reduce the stigma and fear."

As part of National Dementia Friendly Awareness Week in May DFIA asked those people living in Ilkley to have their say on dementia. Using a large Forget-Me-Not, painted by Year 9 students from Ilkley Grammar School, those visiting the Clarke Foley Centre during the week were asked to put on a star for all the positives about dementia in Ilkley and a cloud for what is needed in Ilkley. Stars were given to the Clarke Foley Centre and Abbeyfield for their support for those living with dementia and carers. The National Dementia Friendly Awareness Week itself and the work of DFIA was also complimented.

Alison added: "The main wishes were to continue to keep people talking about dementia, to increase the knowledge of the community and stop those living with dementia feeling isolated. To make sure there is more local support, more social activities, help for carers and improved signposting for where information and support is available. Speedier assessments were called for. Also for more work to be done in making children and young people more aware of dementia and how it affects people."

To achieve these aims DFIA need more volunteers. A variety of skills and roles are needed. These include help with their website, becoming a dementia champions or just helping raise awareness at their own place of work or places they visit in Ilkley. If anyone feels able to give anytime or offer skills contact Alison at dementiafriendlyilkley@gmail.com or ring the Clarke Foley Centre on 01943 607016, to leave your contact details for her to get in touch. Those interested are also welcome to attend the next meeting on Wednesday, September, 28 at 3.30pm at the Clarke Foley Centre. Just turn up and ask for Alison and the DFIA meeting, anyone is also welcome to attend the next Dementia Friends session before the meeting to understand more about dementia and the small actions that can be done to help those living with dementia.

* Ilkley Playhouse is holding a free and informal Dementia Awareness session at Ilkley Playhouse on Monday, September 26 at 7.30 pm. Everyone is welcome to find out more about how to support people with dementia and their families. If you have any questions please contact the office at info@ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or call 01943 609539.

DFIA and Ilkley Playhouse Patron, Alan Titchmarsh, said: "It is so important that we recognise the impact that dementia has on many people, and that we do all we can to offer support and understanding as well as funding and research into this increasingly prevalent condition. I am heartened that my home town of Ilkley has decided to take such a vital step in that direction”