Bradford’s Alzheimer’s Society is calling on the district to help make the city more dementia friendly as it prepares to hold its first action alliance meeting.

The first Bradford District Dementia Action Alliance meeting will be held on Thursday at the University of Bradford, which organisers hope will provide a step towards making the city one of the first dementia-friendly districts in the country.

According to the charity, it is estimated there are 6,000 people in the Bradford district with dementia, with just over half of them living without a formal diagnosis.

About 800,000 people in the UK have dementia, and it is feared that figure could reach one million by 2021 as the ageing population grows.

Cathy Henwood, the dementia friendly co-ordinator from Alzheimer’s Society Bradford, said: “Bradford District Dementia Action Alliance is our next step in working towards making the city truly dementia friendly.

“We are open to any local organisations joining the alliance. We will be encouraging them to write a simple action plan detailing how they are going to raise awareness of dementia with their staff, and make any changes they need to make their premises more accessible and supportive to people living with dementia and their carers.

“At our quarterly meetings we will share good practice, and help organisations find sensible and cost effective solutions to any issues they might identify.”

Professor Murna Downs, chairman of dementia studies at Bradford University, said: “The University is delighted to have the opportunity to host the inaugural meeting of the Bradford District Dementia Action Alliance.

“We have a long standing commitment to, and international track record in, combating stigma and promoting social inclusion for people with dementia and their families.

“The event will provide us with the opportunity to join forces with local business and community members who share our ambition that people live well with dementia.”

For more information about the meeting, contact Cathy Henwood at cathy.henwood@alzheimers.org.uk or call (01274) 586008 for more information.