PEOPLE in all walks of life are being shown how they can support those living with dementia, as the number of people being diagnosed with the illness continues to rise.

The Clydebank office of Alzheimer Scotland, which last week marked Dementia Awareness Week, says ‘we can all help people to live well with dementia’ by becoming dementia friends.

The West Dunbartonshire service of the national charity told the Post its Dementia Friend programme was helping people to speak more openly about the illness.

The programme sees groups of people, often colleagues in a workplace, come together for one hour to learn more about what dementia is and how it affects people. At the end of the session, participants can choose to become a certified Dementia Friend.

“We want people to live well with dementia and that’s in all aspects of their lives,” said Lorraine Robertson, of the Dementia Resource Centre in Clydebank.

“We have had people from solicitors’ offices and chemists come and say to us I want my staff to understand, so if people come into our office, bank or shop, they are able to support people with dementia in a much better way than they can currently.

“We are trying to get everyone in West Dunbartonshire to become a Dementia Friend.” Several people signed up to the friends group throughout Dementia Awareness Week as a raft of special events were held in West Dunbartonshire.

An open day at the Clydebank centre was attended by Gil Paterson MSP and Councillor Gail Casey, whilst MP Martin Docherty was beamed in from Westminster via Skype. All three politicians pledged to become dementia friends, whilst recognising the invaluable contribution the charity makes in an age of austerity.

Clydebank MSP Gil Paterson said: “The centre does an excellent job and is a vital asset to Clydebank.

“With increased pressure on health budgets due to Westminster cuts, and the fact that we have an ageing population with people living longer, we have to find ways to address this issue. I fully support and congratulate everyone involved in this centre, they are doing invaluable work which so many people will benefit from.” Councillor Gail Casey, West Dunbartonshire Council’s spokeswoman for health, said: “I learned so much about the fantastic services offered to people with dementia and their families. I wish Alzheimer Scotland every success in the future and would be happy to become a dementia friend.” Manager of the Clydebank centre, Lorraine welcomed the support. She said: “Getting that level of support from our public representatives is brilliant.

“The incidents of dementia are increasing and the resources are decreasing so the more support we get from the community and the public, the more able we are to continue with the work we do and maintain these standards.” Other events held throughout Alzheimer’s Awareness Week included a tea dance and ‘Tea in the Park’ in Dalmuir Park.

With the theme of this year’s Awareness week, tea and a blether, the event in Dalmuir saw people talk about Alzheimer’s whilst enjoying a cuppa and a singsong.

A tea dance at the Rock Bowling Club sold out and was attended by residents of Edinbarnet Nursing Home, people from Dalreoch Day Centre and members of the local community.

People who would like to support the work of Alzheimer Scotland by fundraising can call Bronwyn O’Riordan on 07818 402729, or email boriordan@alzscot.org. Bronwyn is keen to hear from people who could volunteer some time towards raising funds for, and awareness of the charity’s local services.