A team of volunteers are encouraging those living in Aberaeron and the surrounding area to develop a ‘dementia friendly community’.

The project aims to challenge the ignorance and prejudices surrounding dementia, and will be launched on May 22, 2pm to 5pm in The Memorial Hall, Aberaeron and all members of the community are invited to attend.

Cllr Elizabeth Evans, Mayoress of Aberaeron, will open the event which will feature guest speakers including Beti George of S4C and BBC, speakers from the Alzheimers' Society, as well as representatives from another similar dementia friendly community projects.

The event will provide information about dementia and where to seek help as well as encouraging the community residents and businesses to support the venture of developing a dementia friendly community.

Dr Helen Herbert, Vice Chair of the volunteer committee,said: ‘A dementia friendly community is a place where people with dementia are able to live as independently as possible, feel part of the community, are met with understanding wherever they go and given support when necessary’.

An Aberaeron Dementia Friendly Action Group is being set up to develop the project further.

Volunteers are being sought to receive training to become “Dementia Champions” – who would then share information with others in the community. Businesses engaging with this process will be entitled to use a quality marker logo to show they are a dementia friendly business.

For more information, or to become involved or register on the Champions training day, contact Carwen Davies, Chairman of Aberaeron Dementia Steering Committee, email carwend@yahoo.co.uk or call the Alzheimer’s Society on 01239 810810.