RESIDENTS in the Tetbury area have come together to learn how to support people suffering from dementia.

A number of residents and workers from the area have been taking part in a pilot training scheme led by mental health trust nurse trainer Mary Keating, leaning how to communicate with and help people with the debilitating condition.

Twelve of them recently completed the Dementia Link training course and were presented with their certificates by Cotswold District Council’s health partnerships officer Bill Wragge, who said he was pleased with how successful the pilot had been.

"Tetbury has led the way and we are delighted that volunteers from businesses and the community have come forward to complete the six awareness sessions led by Mary Keating," he said.

"The scheme has been piloted in Tetbury and it is hoped to start the process of rolling it out to all parts of Gloucestershire. "Those attending the course have learnt that there are many ways we can all help to make life as normal as possible for an individual and their carer."

Increasing number of people are expected to develop the condition over the next 20 years.

CDC’s cabinet member for communities Cllr Carole Topple (Con, Riversmeet) said the scheme had been very well received in Tetbury.

"Mary Keating has pioneered these sessions in a very positive way so that those who attended can go back to their organisations and spread the message," she said.

Anyone interested in taking part in future sessions can contact Mary on 01242 634 433 or via mary.keating@glos.nhs.uk