HART District Council held a “successful” event last month in aid of Dementia Awareness Week 2016.

Hart Shopping Centre in Fleet hosted the event where over 100 individuals, including those directly affected by dementia, were able to interact with stalls that gave information and advice about dementia and a wide range of local support.

Information and support about dementia was given to people by a whole host of organisations and services including The Adult Social Care Community Independence Team, Andover Mind’s Dementia Advice Service, Alzheimer’s Society, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Age Concern Hampshire, Forget-Me-Not Cafe, Frogmore Day Centre, The Home Improvement Agency, the library service, Hampshire Trading Standards, Safer North Hampshire, Healthwatch, The Royal British Legion Admiral Nurse Service and Everyone Active.

Speaking about the event, Anne Crampton, community wellbeing cabinet member at Hart District Council said: “It was a pleasure to be a part of Dementia Awareness Week.

“When speaking to all of the stall holders it was clear to see that their efforts are adding great value to community health and wellbeing, which is one of the council’s key priorities.

“My thanks go out to Hart Shopping Centre for hosting this event and to Liz Glenn, health and wellbeing policy officer at Hart District Council for her work in organising this much-appreciated event.”

Prior to the event, Liz said: “One in 14 people over the age of 65 have dementia but it can also affect younger people.

“With a helping hand, people living with dementia can still enjoy their hobbies, have good relationships with partners and friends, and live independently for longer.”

“Everyone can make a difference to those affected by the condition by learning a little more about what it’s like to live with dementia.”

It is also three years since Fleet became Hampshire’s first Dementia Friendly High Street, with local businesses and other organisations committing to make Fleet a community which is understanding and inclusive of people affected by dementia.

Since 2013 other communities within the district following their lead by signing up to the Hampshire Dementia Action Alliance (HDDA).

For more information about health and wellbeing services in Hart visit www.hart.gov.uk/health-wellbeing.