People who are worried that they, or someone close to them, may have dementia are being encouraged to find out more about the condition - and the support that is available to help people cope with it - during Dementia Awareness Week.

Representatives from the Alzheimer's Society will be holding advice and information sessions at locations around Wolverhampton from Monday (19 May, 2014), and will be on hand to highlight some of the services available for people with dementia in the city, and also answer any questions people may have.

Around 3,000 people are thought to be living with dementia in Wolverhampton and this figure is expected to reach 4,500 by 2030.

This year's Dementia Awareness Week (18 to 24 May 2014) is all about opening up - and organisers want anyone who is concerned about dementia to stop bottling it up and instead talk to Alzheimer's Society about it.

The drop in sessions will take place at the following locations:

  • Monday 19 May: New Cross Hospital, 10am to 4pm (near W H Smith)
  • Tuesday 20 May: St Columba's Church, Finchfield, 12pm to 2pm (Life Direct event)
  • Wednesday 21 May: Asda, Wolverhampton, 10pm to 6pm
  • Thursday 22 May: St Matthews Place, Willenhall Road, 10am to 2pm (Midland Heart event)
  • Friday 23 May: Mander Centre, 10am to 5pm
  • Saturday 24 May: Mander Centre, 10am to 4pm

There will also be an information stand at Wolverhampton City Council's Civic Centre throughout the week, available during normal office hours.

Alzheimer's Society Information Worker Jane James said: "Dementia can be a very difficult subject to talk about; someone with the condition may feel scared, confused or even ashamed. They may also be hoping that the problem will go away so they don't have to deal with it.

"But if they are seriously concerned, and the problem is continuing, it's important to talk to someone about it. The sooner people know what they are dealing with, the sooner they can feel in control again and get on with their life."

For more details about the help and support that it is available for people with dementia, please visit the Type=links;Linkid=3328;Title=Alzheimer's Society;Target=_blank; website or call 0300 222 11 22.

The drop in sessions have been commissioned by Wolverhampton City Council, which took up the Prime Minister's Challenge on Dementia in 2012, calling for the development of a number of Dementia Friendly Communities around the country.

Since then, health and social care providers, local businesses, religious groups and other organisations have worked tirelessly to improve services for the 3,000 or so people living with dementia in the city.

  • released: Thursday 15 May, 2014