A CHARITY has launched a campaign to “build a movement for change” in the way that people with dementia are supported in Denbighshire.

The Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC), the membership body for volunteers and volunteer organisations in Denbighshire, is aiming to raise awareness about dementia, the challenges it poses for an ageing society and how people can help those diagnosed with the condition in their community as part of its ‘Dementia Aware Community’ programme launched this month.

The charity, which will give funding grants to dementia community groups and run free dementia awareness training sessions, will also set up a network to bring people, organisations and town councils together to improve dementia support.

It is hoped the programme, which is funded by the Welsh Government until March 2020, will lead to greater awareness across Denbighshire and inspire community leaders to bring about change.

Dementia affects 11,000 people in North Wales and one in six people over the age of 80 in the UK.

Helen Wilkinson, chair of DVSC, said: “New Year is a time when many of us focus on new resolutions – drinking less, eating well, and staying fit. DVSC is starting the year by asking everyone living and working in Denbighshire to focus on living well, ageing well and come together to raise awareness about dementia and the challenges of an ageing society.

“We want to inspire community-led conversations, events, and initiatives in local neighbourhoods and localities across Denbighshire. We have a great training programme of events lined up to help people learn more and our Community Fund can help translate greater awareness into action.”

The idea might be as simple as hosting a coffee morning, running a training programme or hosting a public meeting.

The DVSC will work with people who have dementia, their carers and the public, as well as local third sector groups and town councils to improve the dementia support infrastructure by setting up the Dementia Aware Communities Network to “build a movement for change across the county”.

Ms Wilkinson said: "We will support individuals and voluntary and community groups to campaign and raise awareness about dementia in their local communities and establish and develop a Dementia Aware Communities Network so we can build a movement for change across the county."

Individuals, voluntary and community groups, third sector organisations and social enterprises working or planning to help people with dementia in Denbighshire can now apply for funding grants.

The free, full-day training courses will take place at the Naylor Leyland Centre in Ruthin on January 28, February 4, February 11, February 18, March 4, March 11, March 27 and April 1.

For more information contact Debbie Neal by calling 01824 702335 or email debbien@dvsc.co.uk