PEOPLE with dementia and carers are being invited to a Living Well With Dementia event in Swindon tomorrow.

Help, advice and support will be on offer at the event, which takes place at the Wyvern Theatre from 11am until 3pm.

Among those attending to give talks and offer advice will be Harry Davis, who was first diagnosed with dementia at the age of 55.

Now 60, Harry, from Greenmeadow, has since found a new lease of life and positive ways of dealing with the condition and will be joining others to share his experience and coping tips at the event.

He said: “Everything ground to a halt when I was first told and I just wanted an end. But I’ve learned it doesn’t need to be that way – if you’re prepared to listen and accept help, there is so much you can do to help yourself. Life is so much better now.”

Although Harry’s long-term memory is still very strong, the short-term function is much more hit and miss.

He said: “Sometimes I repeat myself, but am not really conscious of it because I’ve forgotten I’ve just said that.

"I’ll also forget what has happened recently, but can still reel of things from years ago.”

His wife Pauline, who works as a ward clerk at the Great Western Hospital, has been very supportive and Harry now tries to take on the housework to keep busy and ease her workload.

He said: “She is very patient and understanding, even though it must be very frustrating. We make a list for the day and I do things like ironing, gardening and some cooking. To avoid mishaps, if I get stuck I stop and wait for a bit of guidance.

“It works well and keeps me occupied, which is important. Making sure you still have a role and a purpose in life is essential.”

Harry still looks after his grandchildren and to stay physically active goes out for regular walks. He is also part of the weekly walking group for people who have been recently diagnosed with dementia. The group is just one of opportunities for extra support provided by the Forget-me-Not Centre, in Whitbourne Avenue.

Harry said: “The group has been brilliant because I’ve met people in the same boat and we talk about what we’re going through. I don’t feel so isolated or alone. This, combined with the support at home, has completely turned the situation around for me. My life has been redefined but I feel I have a future.”

To book a free place at the event, email hhicks2@swindon.gov.uk or call 01793 444685.

You can also find out more about dementia at dementiafriends.org.uk.

It is estimated there are more than 2,000 people in the Swindon borough living with a type of dementia - a disease of the brain, which affects the way people think, speak and do things. Although there is no cure, there is medication and also lots of things people can do to reduce the impact and speed of its severity.

The event features talks from people with dementia, information about work on dementia at Great Western Hospital, a Singing for the Brain session, and an opportunity to tour the theatre.

In the afternoon there will be talks on what is dementia, finance and legal advice as well as dementia friends sessions and support for carers. It is aimed at those living with dementia, carers and anyone who is touched by the illness or wants to find out more, all are welcome.

Coun Brian Mattock, Swindon Borough Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “As we’re living longer these days, dementia is an increasingly common condition.

"It’s also an incredibly difficult illness to deal with because there are no obvious physical symptoms, but its impact can be absolutely devastating.

"The more we’re all aware of and understand dementia, as individuals, businesses and the whole community, the greater support and empathy we can show to those affected as well as their family and friends.

"I encourage anyone who is interested to join in the event, which promises to be full of useful information and positive advice.”