A CAMPAIGN to tackle the stigma and lack of understanding around dementia has got the backing of police in Worcester.

The nationwide Dementia Friends scheme is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia and aims to transform the way the nation thinks, talk and acts about the condition.

Next week temporary detective chief inspector Emma Wright is running free Dementia Friends information sessions, taking place on Thursday, March 26, and is looking for local people to come along.

The one-hour sessions will take place at Warndon Youth and Community Centre, Shap Drive, Worcester from 11am until noon and 1pm to 2pm and at the King George V Community Centre, Ash Drive, Worcester from 3pm until 4pm at King George V.

Sessions will also take place Malvern Theatre at 11am until noon, 1pm to 2pm and 3pm to 4pm.

Having volunteered to be a Dementia Friends champion, chief inspector Wright, is now delivering the sessions to people across Worcester.

She said: "I signed up to be a Dementia Friends champion because one in three people over 65 will develop dementia and everyone knows someone who is affected by the condition.

"It’s easy to get involved. I attended a training course, receive ongoing support and I’m now proud to be part of a growing network of people creating dementia friendly communities together.

"West Mercia Police is signed up to the Nation Dementia Action Alliance and part of our action plan is to create as many Dementia Friends as possible both inside and outside our organisation."

Anyone wanting to attend a session should e-mail dementiafriendsessions@westmercia.pnn.police.uk stating which session and venue they would like to attend.

People can also get involved online by visiting dementiafriends.org.uk.