A CAMPAIGN to tackle the stigma surrounding dementia is coming to a County Durham supermarket.

Kirsty Lawrence is running a free Dementia Friends information session on Thursday, May 31 and is calling for local people to come along.

The Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia and aims to transform the way the nation thinks, talks and acts about the condition.

The one-hour session will take place at Tesco Consett Genesis Extra Community Space at 1pm.

Kirsty said: “I signed up to be a Dementia Friends champion because I want to help people understand how they can support someone to live well. It’s easy to get involved.

"I attended a training course, receive ongoing support and I’m now proud to be part of a growing network of people creating dementia friendly communities together.”

Joe Kirwin, Dementia Friends regional support officer at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Dementia touches the lives of millions of people across the country. Dementia Friends was launched to tackle the stigma and lack of understanding that means many people with the condition experience loneliness and social exclusion. It’s all about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help.”

Call Kirsty on 07718 512953 for more information.