DEMENTIA Awareness week is in full swing and Dudley Council is hosting a special event to raise awareness of the condition and the support available to sufferers and their carers.

An open day is being held at Dudley Archives in Tipton Road, on Saturday (May 21) between 10am and 4pm.

The event will give people the opportunity to increase their understanding of dementia and encourage them to think about the small things they could do to make a difference to people affected by the condition in their community.

Workshops will also be held for carers and reading groups for people with dementia and advisors from the council’s Dementia Gateway Services in Brierley Hill, Halesowen and Coseley, will be on hand to provide more information about advice services.

Visitors can also tour the archives building and enjoy a discussion on local history.

Tony Oakman, strategic director for the people directorate at the council, said: “We are keen for people to be aware of all the help and support that is out there for people with dementia and their carers.

“Working with our health and community partners, our vision is to deliver a high quality, and integrated dementia service for people.

“There is no doubt that dementia is on the increase; the more people that are aware of the signs of dementia and know what support is available in the borough, the better prepared we are to ensure that we keep independent and well as we all get older.”

For more informtaion, visit www.dudley.gov.uk/dementia.