A ROADSHOW designed to help residents in South Gloucestershire deal with dementia is set to take place later this month.

Those in the region who have recently been diagnosed with the condition, as well as their family and friends have been invited to attend the “Living Well with Dementia” roadshow, which takes place on Tuesday, September 27, at Ridgewood Community Centre in Yate from 2pm to 4.30pm.

Offering practical, emotional and health advice, the event is intended to provide people with the information they need to understand their diagnosis, find out what support is available to them and learn how to live well with dementia.

During the roadshow, experts will be on hand to answer questions, and attendees will receive a guide to the services and support available. There will also be talks on managing your affairs and the help that’s on offer from Age UK, the Alzheimer’s Society and the Memory Service.

The NHS in South Gloucestershire have placed a high priority on helping people living with dementia to lead normal, active lives for as long as possible, and the South Gloucestershire CCG has been working with the Council and other partners through the South Gloucestershire Dementia Action Alliance to help local communities and organisations become more dementia-friendly.

South Gloucestershire Council’s adults commissioning manager, Sue Jaques, said: “People with dementia can maintain independence and continue to enjoy their usual activities and occupations, but they should also make arrangements for the future.

“A dementia diagnosis can leave the person with dementia and their family with lots of questions about what to expect and what they can do to plan for the future. These roadshows provide useful information to help answer these questions and provide reassurance that you’re not on your own.”

Dr Peter Bagshaw, the clinical lead for dementia for South Gloucestershire CCG, said: “Each individual will experience dementia in a different way and experience different symptoms. If somebody thinks they might have dementia, we encourage them to go to their GP as an early diagnosis means that they can start to get the right treatment and support.

“GPs can signpost to a wide range of support services in the community and offer medication to improve your quality of life.

“This roadshow is designed to raise awareness of dementia and help reduce the stigma around the condition.”

The roadshow is free to visitors, but places should be booked in advance, either online through www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/yate-living-well-with-dementia-roadshow-2016-tickets-26679063798, by emailing cchengagement@southglos.gov.uk, or phoning 01454 862356.

For more information and details of future roadshows visit www.southglos.gov.uk/dementia