THE Alzheimer’s Society is making the public aware of the support they provide as part of Dementia Awareness Week.

Representatives from the charity held a stall at The Brunel shopping centre today, where visitors were given information about the condition as well as the help available to those who have it and their careers.

In the community, the organisation runs workshops, a memory cafe and singing sessions which helps with the brain functions of those with dementia.

Meanwhile, support workers also meet regularly with people who have the illness.

An Alzheimer’s Society spokesman said turnout at the stall and the awareness week in general had been "very good".

“Our aim is to continue raising awareness of dementia and the services on offer in Swindon,” he said.

“We are trying our best to ensure as many people as possible are aware of us. We understand it is a tricky subject to talk about but it is really important we encourage people to seek help.

“The response during Dementia Awareness Week has been very good.”

An estimated 850,000 people in the country are living with dementia, with the figure expected to rise to one million by 2025, according to the society.

During the week of events, which will conclude on Sunday, Great Western Hospital has held a series of activities.

They put down an information stall in the atrium and also hosted workshops in their academy.

Sarah Finney, senior sister, said: “We’ve seen an increase of patients over the last few years with the condition, so it is important to promote this week.”

Visitors to the hospital have learnt about its new dementia-friendly ward, Jupiter, which opened in November 2014 following a £98,000 renovation project, funded by the trust’s charity Brighter Futures.

Trisha Hanlon, infection control resource nurse, said: “There’s a calmness on the ward and a great assurance. We hope the rest of our wards will be dementia-friendly in the future.”

Care homes and GP surgeries across the area have held events. Ridgeway House Residential Care, in Royal Wootton Bassett is one of those which has taken part.

The home has hosted outdoor events and a quiz amongst other things.

Andrea Wright, the centre’s activities co-ordinator, said: “We’d had got a lot of things. We did a sensory day, a quiz and a series of health walks.

“We always feel that it is very important to support this campaign and we are pleased to do anything we can.”

Dementia Awareness Week is organised by the Alzheimer’s Society with funds raised going towards their work.

Dementia describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. It is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, or a series of strokes.

For more information about support available to those with dementia, visit gwh.nhs.uk, or to contact Alzheimer’s Society on 01249 443469 or email nwilts@alzheimers.org.uk