BROADCASTER and presenter Angela Rippon has welcomed an alliance that hopes to transform the lives of people with dementia in Dorset.

The new Dorset Dementia Action Alliance will be launched at the county’s first Dementia Friendly Dorset conference on Friday, March 18.

Anyone who is interested in making Dorset dementia-friendly is invited to the free event which will take place between 10am – 4pm at Athelhampton House, near Puddletown.

Angela Rippon, Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador and co-chairman of the Dementia Friendly Communities Champions Group said: “I know how important it is to challenge the stereotypes surrounding dementia and work in partnership with others so people with dementia feel supported and can live well.

“I welcome the launch of the Dorset Dementia Action Alliance and its aim of bringing key stakeholders, community and business leaders together to improve the lives of people with dementia. We are encouraging a range of organisations such as bus companies, taxi firms, police forces, fire services, high street traders, care providers, schools and many more to sign up to be part of a Dementia Action Alliance.”

She added: “850,000 people in the UK are currently diagnosed with dementia and this condition affects not just the person diagnosed but their family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues – in fact, all of us in the community.Projects like this are so important in raising awareness and putting plans into action to support all those affected by dementia have a better quality of life, now and in the future.

“Thank you to everyone involved in the excellent progress of the dementia-friendly communities in Dorset.”

The aim of the Dementia Action Alliance is to help create a community where people with dementia feel confident, understood and supported to live well.

People wishing to attend the conference will need to book in advance by emailing admindorset@alzheimers.org.uk by February 22.