A Peasedown St John-based charity has hit the streets this week with a new dementia awareness campaign.

Peasedown Community Trust, which runs the village's 'Dementia Friendly Peasedown' initiative, is delivering a newsletter to every single home raising awareness of dementia and what support there is available locally.

Trust Chairman, Gavin Heathcote, said:

"Every three minutes, someone in the UK will develop dementia. With dementia on the rise, communities across the country are making a stand, and Peasedown St John is no different.

Since 2019, more than 150 Peasedown residents have attended one of our dementia awareness workshops. Our aim is to create a community where people living with dementia feel included and valued, and their friends and family to get the support they need.

Our new information leaflet, the first of its kind exclusively for Peasedown residents, provides details of the free dementia awareness workshops we run, and what other support services are available locally."

The newsletter has been paid for thanks to funding provided by both B&NES Council and the Midsomer Norton & Radstock Lions Club.

Cllr Sarah Bevan (Independent, Peasedown) added:

"This funding from the Ward Councillors' Empowerment Fund allows us to support worthwhile community-based initiatives like this.

The statistics around dementia in the UK are extremely worrying, which is why it's important that we're all aware of the condition and how we can support those living with it."

Information provided by the Alzheimer's Society shows that:

• There are 850,000 people with dementia in the UK. This number will soar to 2 million by 2050.

• 225,000 people will develop dementia this year, that's one every three minutes.

• 1 in 6 people over the age of 80 have dementia.

• 70% of people in care homes have dementia or severe memory problems.

• There are over 40,000 people under 65 with dementia in the UK.

• More than 25,000 people from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in the UK are affected.

Of all the Covid deaths in England and Wales, 25% of those that sadly passed away had dementia. It's the most common pre-existing health condition.

"This new dementia information newsletter", added Gavin, "includes what support is available from organisations like RICE, The Carers Centre, Curo and the Alzheimer's Society.

Plus, it also provides details of the dementia workshops we run for individuals, community groups and local businesses."

Every home in Peasedown St John will be receiving the dementia information leaflet over the next four weeks – delivered directly to their door by one of the Trust's 20 volunteers.

For more information about Dementia Friendly Peasedown and to sign up for a free workshop email [email protected]