A NEW initiative has been launched by a national care and research charity to transform Southampton into a dementia-friendly community.

Alzheimer’s Society will be launching the new project, called Dementia Friendly Southampton, at St Mary’s Stadium later this month in partnership with Southampton City Council.

The aim of the project is to enable people with dementia living in the city to feel more confident, understood and less isolated.

The society revealed that there are 2,513 people currently living with the illness in Southampton.

Gary Walker, Alzheimer’s Society’s services manager for Southampton and the surrounding area, said: “A dementia-friendly community is a city, town or village where people with dementia are understood, respected, supported, and confident they can contribute to community life.

“Many people with dementia are not able to take part in activities they enjoyed before they developed the condition.

“They want to engage with society but need support.

“It is possible to make small changes that will make their day-to-day lives much better and being able to stay part of a community for longer, rather than moving into a care home, which will also save society money.

“I would urge everyone to find out more on how you and your neighbourhood can become a dementia friendly community.”

Dementia Friendly Southampton will launch at an event held at St Mary’s Stadium on Friday, January 20, from noon to 3pm.

Several organisations and dignitaries have been invited to attend, including Hampshire Constabulary, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, Southampton mayor Councillor Cathie McEwing, and Alan Whitehead MP.

The project has also been supported by Councillor Dave Shields, cabinet member for health and sustainability at the city council.

He said: “A growing number of people are living with dementia in Southampton and it is now the leading cause of death in England.

“In my capacity as cabinet member for health, and chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, I know all too well how difficult it can be for people living with dementia and those closest to them.

“I am looking forward to working closely with the Alzheimer’s Society to make our city a more welcoming place for everyone affected by the condition.”