Advice and assistance on how to live well with dementia will be on offer at the next East Hampshire Dementia festival.
Held on March 10 at Petersfield Festival Hall, the event will provide guidance, contacts, legal advice and more for people concerned about memory loss in themselves or in a loved.
It will also offer activities suitable for people with dementia as well as music, crafts and a chance to meet and chat with people who share similar experiences.
There are more than 18,000 people in Hampshire with dementia and it is estimated to affect one in six people over 80 and one in 14 over 65.
Jeff Williams a Petersfield Dementia Friends Champion organises the event with the support of East Hampshire District Council.
He said: “Dementia is extremely common and affects so many families, but often people don’t know anything about it until they are faced with a diagnosis.
“There’s lots you can do to help someone live well with dementia by keeping active and keeping your brain healthy and exercised.
“At the Dementia Festival there’s a huge amount of expert advice, legal support, medical support, compassion and companionship.
“If you have an elderly relative who is suffering from memory loss or who has recently been diagnosed with dementia, come along to the festival and find out what you can do to help.”
Cllr Julie Butler, EHDC’s Deputy Leader, said: “It can be very daunting when you first discover that you or a loved one has dementia, but there is a massive amount of support out there for people in that position.
“Looking after someone can be hard, but with the right advice and the right support it is possible to live well with dementia.
“The festival has been a huge success in the last couple of years, with stalls from all kinds of local organisations, voluntary groups and businesses who can help you. Come along on March 10 and find out.
The event will offer medical and legal advice, practical help for families and carers, activities and dementia-related services.
Open from 10am-3.30pm the festival will feature:
- Solicitor’s advice, including Powers of Attorney
- Memory Café, serving free refreshments
- Nostalgic music with ‘Tea for Two’
- Petersfield Dementia Choir
- Support and advice to stay safe and well
- Information and practical advice from 30+ organisations
For more information on the festival contact Callum Christie or Hannah Robbins at East Hampshire District Council - Callum.Christie@easthants.gov.uk or Hannah.Robbins@easthants.gov.uk - or Jeff Williams, Dementia Friends Champion, Petersfield on 07849 195702.