CALNE has become the first town in Wiltshire to form a Dementia Action Alliance.

The aim of the DAA is to help create a community in the town where people with dementia can feel understood and can be supported to live well.

Organisations including Calne Town Council, Wiltshire Council’s Area Board and the Alzheimer’s Society as well as other local businesses and organisations have joined forces alongside people suffering with dementia and their families to form the Calne Dementia Action Alliance.

Diane Gooch, spokesperson for Calne DAA, said: “I became a Dementia Friends Champion and following that I was determined to do more in my local community to raise awareness of dementia. I wanted others to understand how we could all work together to support people affected by it. Gradually more and more people have come on board and after a meeting with Calne Area Board we set up a steering group; from that Calne DAA was established.

The launch of the DAA comes after an Alzheimer’s Society report found that less than half of people living with dementia feel a part of the community, and nearly three quarters of UK adults surveyed do not think society is prepared to deal with dementia.

“People affected by dementia are involved in the steering group and DAA. Listening to their views is incredibly important.

"We’re really keen to work with more local businesses, especially supermarkets, and get them involved too. We want to spread this as far as we can and show that even small things can make a big difference for people living with dementia,” added Mrs Gooch.

Dementia Friends was launched in February 2013 by Alzheimer’s Society. It aims to help people understand what it might be like to live with dementia and use that to help people understand the disease. Wiltshire Council teamed up with Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Support to give all 5,000 staff the chance to become a Dementia Friend.

Maggie Rae, Wiltshire Council corporate director, said: “We are fully committed to raising awareness of dementia so that those who are affected by it can still live happy, fulfilling lives supported by their local communities. Calne is leading the way and this alliance will help strengthen that support and hopefully inspire other communities too.”

The DAA is currently welcoming new members, to join email jane.vaughan@wiltshire.gov.uk or charris@calne.gov.uk or visit www.dementiaaction.org.uk.