CAMPAIGN group Dementia Friendly Ilkley Action has announced Ilkley-born TV gardener and presenter Alan Titchmarsh as the first patron of the organisation.
The group aims to make Ilkley a dementia friendly-town where people with dementia are understood, respected, supported and confident they can contribute to community life.
Alan Titchmarsh MBE said: "It is so important that we recognise the impact that dementia has on so many people, and that we do all we can to offer support and understanding as well as funding research into this increasingly prevalent condition. I am heartened that my home town of Ilkley has decided to take such a vital step in that direction."
Alison Eagle from Dementia Friendly Ilkley said: "Dementia Friendly Ilkley Action (DFIA) are really excited about Alan agreeing to be the first patron of the group.
"As a regular visitor to Ilkley and supporter of the local community it is a privilege to have him as patron and a supporter of raising awareness and understanding of dementia, making the lives of those living with dementia and their carers better and feeling part of Ilkley community.
"DFIA aim to make Ilkley a dementia friendly community by running free Dementia Friends sessions and working with Ilkley businesses and organisations to become dementia friendly."
The organisation, which also has the support of Ilkley's MP Kris Hopkins, is growing awareness of dementia after record numbers attended the last Dementia Friends session in Ilkley. All the participants said they felt the session was informative, and those caring for people living with dementia found it very helpful, according to organisers.
Other awareness raising events included taking a stall at the first Ilkley Real Food Market, informing the community about the disease and the work of the action group.
Members were also invited to attend a meeting of Business Network Ilkley, where they informed independent businesses about their work and how they could become dementia-friendly.
The next Dementia Friendly session is on Thursday, April 7 from 5pm to 7pm at the Clarke Foley Centre in Cunliffe Road, Ilkley, and it is open to all. Email dementia friendlyilkley@gmail.com or call 01943 607016.
For more information contact dementiafriendlyilkley@gmail.com
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