People in Truro, and the surrounding area, are being given the chance to make a difference to the lives of local people with dementia by becoming Dementia Friends Champions.

People can book now to attend a touring induction day that is coming to the town on Tuesday, January 10. The day-long session, that will take place at Truro Community Library, is part of Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends programme, which is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the nation acts, thinks and talks about the condition.

Dementia Friends Champions are volunteers who help tackle the stigma and lack of understanding that means many people with the condition experience loneliness and social exclusion. After attending the Truro induction day, the volunteers will deliver Dementia Friends sessions across the local area in the coming months.

There are more than 1.5million Dementia Friends in England and Wales. Alzheimer’s Society want to reach even more people so that people with dementia feel understood and included in their community.

Camilla Alfred, Dementia Friends regional support officer at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Dementia Friends is about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help. From telling friends about the Dementia Friends programme to visiting someone you know living with dementia, every action counts.

"We need more Dementia Friends Champions to talk to people about being a Dementia Friend in their communities. It’s easy to get involved. Dementia Friends Champions will attend an induction day, receive on-going support and be part of a growing network of people creating dementia friendly communities together.”

You can become a Dementia Friend or sign up for the Truro Dementia Friends Champions Induction Day by visiting dementiafriends.org.uk.