ALZHEIMER’S Society in Darlington is encouraging residents to confront dementia this Dementia Awareness Week from May 15.

Charity staff and volunteers will be providing information about dementia and how to live well with the condition at a series of events including an assisted trip to Beamish and dementia cafes.

More than 1,400 people in the borough are affected by dementia and Julia Laverick, operations manager for Alzheimer’s Society in Darlington, said:

“We’d love to see as many people as possible join us at these events in Darlington.

“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.

“The sooner you face up to dementia by coming to us for information and support, the sooner you can get the right treatment, support and advice to tackle it.”

Dementia Cafes are taking place at Crown Street Library tomorrow (May 3) from 1.30pm to 3.30pm and at St Herbert’s Church on May 17 from 10am.

Singing for the Brain takes place fortnightly at Grange Road Baptist Church on May 13 and 27 and there is a dementia hub at the Crown Street Library on May 10 from noon to 3pm.

Finally, there will be an assisted train journey to Beamish Open Air Museum on May 19.

People are invited to join the group on the 1pm East Coast Virgin Train from Darlington to Durham, then travel by bus to Beamish and spend the day participating in the ‘Big Dig,’ visiting the art exhibition or the other activities going on that day.

Spaces are limited so contact Andy Ball if you are interested on 0191-2983989 or 07757867448 or e-mail: Andrew.Ball@alzheimers.org.uk.