WALKERS will be stepping out in Worcester to help those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

The first Worcester Memory Walk has been organised by the Worcester and District branch of the Alzheimer’s Society to raise awareness of the devastating illness.

The 30-45 minute walk, part of a national initiative by the society, is on Saturday, September 27, to raise the profile of the illness, which affects about 6,400 people in the county, according to the latest figures by Worcestershire Primary Care Trust.

The city centre walk will involve about 30 people including volunteers, carers and sufferers and will begin at the public car park in New Road in Worcester at 10.30am.

Branch administrator Sharon Dyer said the local branch was expanding, allowing volunteers to organise the city walk for the first time this year.

Mrs Dyer said: “The main thing is to really promote the society as a support network for people because they still don’t know we’re here in Worcester. This is a lifeline for the people of Worcestershire.”

The local branch is based at the Angel Centre in Angel Place, Worcester.

Volunteers will be wearing T-shirts and giving out leaflets before they finish their walk, back at the centre. A balloon launch may also mark the start of the walk.

Although the main purpose of the walk is to raise awareness of the branch, a street collection will help raise funds and walkers are donating £5 each.

The branch provides a 24-hour helpline 365 days a year which is run by a team of 10 volunteers.

It also runs two cafes for people with Alzheimers. Al’s Cafe in the Perdiswell Young People’s Leisure Centre in Worcester is a group for those diagnosed with dementia before the age of 65.

The Alzheimer’s Cafe in Evesham is for older people with the illness, though younger people are welcome to attend.

The charity also provides support workers who travel around the district giving help, advice and care to those with the disease and their families and carers.

There is also an information centre in Rowan House, Osborne Road, Malvern.

For more information, contact the 24-hour helpline on 01905 763322.