PREPARATION is well under way for this week’s Dementia Action Week, running between May 21 and 25.

The Farnham Dementia Action Alliance (DAA) is working with local businesses to demonstrate what support is available locally for those living with dementia and their carers. One informal support group for carers is Farnham’s Sunflower Cafe, which will meet as usual on Monday at 10am in the Ivy Room at Farnham Conservative Club.

Sara Woodley, registered manager at Right at Home GF, said: “There is always a warm welcome at the Sunflower Cafe and we are looking forward to welcoming some new faces to join our regulars during Dementia Action Week. There will be a focus on carer support this week and we will be running the usual popular activities for anyone who wants to join in.”

Singing for the Mind is a chance for those living with dementia to sing along with others to some favourite tunes, and will take place at 2pm at Farnham Maltings.

Also taking place at Farnham Maltings next week is a free preview screening of ‘Third Quarter’, described as an ‘artistic depiction of the inner psychological turmoil of dementia’. This takes place at 2pm on Friday, May 25.

For those who haven’t yet attended a Dementia Friends Session, there is the chance to do so at 1.30pm on Wednesday at Farnham Maltings with Alastair Shanks, owner of Right at Home GF, who has trained almost 800 local residents in the basics of dementia awareness. These free, one-hour sessions give a better understanding of what it is like to live with dementia and participants are able to share tips on supporting someone on a day-to-day basis.

Farnham Leisure Centre is hosting the increasingly popular Inclusive Cricket at midday on Thursday - a chance for anyone, whatever their age or mobility, to enjoy some gentle exercise in a friendly and welcoming group.

Dementia Action Week in Farnham culminates in a DAA Memory Walk, meeting at 11am outside The Shepherd & Flock pub. The flat walk is roughly three miles but can be shortened and ends with the option of a pub lunch.

For more details on any of the DAA activities, call 01252 783426.