AN event in Hexham which will form part of Dementia Awareness Week aims to point people living with the dementia towards help and support.

According to figures from the Alzheimer's Society, more than 5,000 people in Northumberland are living with the condition, and 1,300 of them are in Tynedale.

Many, however, are unaware of the local services they can access or where to turn to if they are concerned about a loved one or friend who is experiencing memory problems.

The Hexham Dementia Event aims to point them in the right direction by bringing together a range or organisations to create a ‘one stop shop’ for access to information.

The event is being run by the Burn Brae Medical Group in conjunction with Alzheimer’s Society during Dementia Awareness Week, which runs from May 15 to 21. 

It takes place Burn Brae’s practice at Hexham Primary Care Centre, in the town’s hospital, on Thursday, May 19 between 10am and 2pm.

The Alzheimer’s Society will play a key role, with staff on hand to offer help and advice – and there will also be three ‘Dementia Friends’ sessions during the day, which teach people more about the condition.

As well as the Alzheimer’s Society, organisations taking part include Chrysalis, a club for people in Tynedale with memory problems, The Fairnington Centre, which provides assessment, treatment and care for older people with mental health problems, and Carers Northumberland, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of carers.

“We get calls all the time from people who don’t know about the services and support that’s already out there for those with dementia and their carers,” explained Caroline Armstrong, Northumberland GP initiative information worker for the Alzheimer’s Society.

“So the idea of the Hexham Dementia Event is to create a one-stop-shop for anyone seeking information.”

Simon Guy, business manager of Burn Brae Medical Group, added: “You don’t need to have had a diagnosis of dementia to come along to the event.

“People who are concerned or simply have questions about memory loss are welcome too. It’s a chance for them to find out more and, if appropriate, be referred to relevant organisations.”

Helen Williams, services manager for the Alzheimer’s Society in Northumberland, said: “We’d love to see as many people as possible join us at this event in Hexham.

“By openly talking about dementia we hope to tackle the many myths and misunderstandings about the condition and get across that life doesn’t end when dementia begins.

“By seeking information sooner rather than later, people can get the right treatment, support and advice to tackle it."

The Alzheimer’s Society supports anyone affected by dementia. For more information, call the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122 or visit alzheimers.org.uk/DAW