An awareness campaign to help people with dementia in Wiltshire launched in Pewsey last week.

Before I Forget is a countywide campaign run by Wiltshire Council and aims to ensure that dementia suffers, their carers and family have access to the right care and support.

In Wiltshire, 6,512 people live with dementia – and this is forecast to grow by almost 30 per cent by 2020.

In light of this, an information pack and toolkit has been produced by the council to support area boards in becoming dementia friendly. It includes a ‘how to’ booklet and has been piloted by the Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade community area.

The area is working to become Wiltshire’s first dementia friendly community and has set up a group called Caring about Dementia.

Pewsey Area Board has also pledged that the Pewsey Vale will be dementia friendly with Bradford on Avon, Chippenham and Melksham also working on dementia initiatives.

During the launch event at Pewsey Library last Wednesday, members of the village’s Dementia Art Group exhibited some of their artwork.

Maggie Rae, corporate director, said: “Everyone needs to play a part in making our county a good place to live if you have dementia.”

On Tuesday, council leaders considered feedback on a draft Wiltshire Dementia Strategy detailing how Wiltshire organisations can support people with dementia over the next seven years. Almost 100 individuals and groups commented on the strategy, which was drawn up by Wiltshire Council and NHS Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

Keith Humphries, cabinet member with responsibility for public health, said: “The prime aim of the strategy is to support people to live well and be as independent as possible while ensuring they remain safe and have confidence in the care delivered.”

The updated strategy and action plan will be presented for formal approval at a future Cabinet meeting.