Bath and North East Somerset Council will be asked to consider a request to commit to creating a 'Dementia-Friendly Community' by Councillors Lesley Mansell and Liz Derl-Davis at its Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, 3rd December.

In 2013, there were 1,146 people in B&NES registered as having dementia and cases are expected to increase by 23% for females and 43% for males between now and 2025.

"Sadly, I meet an increasing number of people who are supporting relatives and this initiative is an important step towards recognising those who matter most, that is people with dementia and those who care for and support them," said Cllr Mansell.

"In order for Dementia-Friendly Communities to succeed, the views and opinions of people with dementia and their carers must be at the heart of any considerations or decisions. The barriers that people face in their community need to be identified and they need to be consulted on how they would like it to be.

"The local Labour Party have already offered sessions to raise awareness of dementia and the first thing we can all do is look at increasing our own health and well-being," added Cllr Derl-Davis. "It is now time for B&NES to make a public commitment on the issue of dementia and implement a strategy as soon as possible."

It has been shown that there is a need to improve information, raise awareness, promote early diagnosis and intervention and improve care for people with dementia. Commitment to a 'Dementia-Friendly Community' opens up the opportunity to be responsive to what people want, which fits with the Connecting Communities agenda and, more importantly, people with dementia stand to gain a sense of ownership, investment, responsibility and of connectedness to their own communities.

Cllr Lesley Mansell and Cllr Derl-Davis say they are hopeful for a positive outcome at the Cabinet meeting.