REGISTRATIONS for the third annual regional dementia awareness conference to be held in Peasedown St John have been opened by Peasedown councillors Cllr Gavin Heathcote and Cllr Karen Walker.

Organised by the Peasedown Community Trust and sponsored by homecare provider Bluebird Care, the conference in May will feature keynote speakers, information stalls, networking, a tasty lunch and an opportunity to meet charity leaders and experts working in the field of dementia research and awareness.

The village’s Independent councillors Cllr Karen Walker and Cllr Gavin Heathcote, said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting this conference in Peasedown St John. 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 400 residents have attended one of the Peasedown Community Trust’s dementia awareness workshops. They have been instrumental in raising the profile of the work we’re doing in the village which will be showcased at this special regional conference in May.”

Keynote speakers include a representative from Bluebird Care, who will share advice and information about caring for a loved one living with dementia.

A wide range of organisations will also be present for delegates to meet, including The Rainbow Care Group, ReMind UK, Darcy Gardens: The Barchester, Dementia Challenge Curo Services, The Royal United Hospital (RUH), B&NES Live Well, Appleton Nutrition, Older People’s Voice, B&NES Adult Social Services, the Forget Me Not Club, Alzheimer’s Society, Companions Who Care and Care UK.

The conference is completely free for anyone who would like to attend thanks to sponsorship provided by Bluebird Care. They specialise in dementia-care across B&NES and are keen to support events that raise awareness of dementia and dementia care.

They prioritise working with community groups to ensure that those who need information and advice about dementia services are able to receive it.

Nathan Hartley, director of the Community Connectors initiative, is this year’s conference facilitator. He said: “We’re delighted to have Bluebird Care’s support for this year’s conference. It means a lot to us and our work to create a dementia friendly community across Bath and North East Somerset.

“There are currently 900,000 people in the UK living with dementia, and that figure is set to rise to two-million by 2050.

“One in four people will be affected by dementia in their lifetimes, especially those diagnosed with clinical anxiety in middle age, which is why it’s important to work with individuals and their families to try and make life much easier for those who have it.”

The third annual Peasedown St John’s Dementia Awareness Regional Conference, ‘Creating A Dementia Friendly Community’, will be held on Tuesday, May 19, from 10am to 3pm at St John’s Church, Church Road.

Delegates wishing to sign up attend the one day conference should contact the Peasedown Community Trust to RSVP by Friday, May 15, by emailing [email protected]