Dementia roadshow tour visits Great Dunmow to provide lifeline to local families

A pioneering Dementia Community Roadshow will be visiting Great Dunmow this month, as it aims to increase local awareness and understanding of the condition.

There are currently more than 1,000 people with dementia in the Great Dunmow area – and this number is rising.

The Alzheimer’s Society roadshow offers free information and advice to anyone with queries about the condition, as well as helping to promote the benefits of early diagnosis.

The vehicle, funded by Tesco, will be visiting the supermarket on Stortford Road, between 10am and 4pm on Friday, January 17. People who are currently living with dementia, are worried about a friend or relative’s memory, or just have questions about the condition, are encouraged to drop by with no appointment necessary.

Marion Howell, services manager, said: “The roadshow has already visited Saffron Walden and Waltham Abbey and was visited by a record number of people who were asking for information about a range of concerns.

“On the vehicle we can talk to people on a one to one basis and offer them the time to talk about the challenges they face or the information they need. Sometimes people do not know where to go for help or to get information and the roadshow enables us to meet with them as they are doing their shopping or just going about their daily lives.”

Michale Kissman, community director at Tesco, said: “With stores all over the East of England, we’re extremely proud to help the Alzheimer’s Society raise awareness of dementia.

“The roadshow is part of the legacy from our charity of the year partnership with the society and we hope that it contributes to building a better future for people with dementia.”