DANCING, drumming, arts and crafts and some great debate were all on the agenda at the Remember Me celebrations at The Courtyard in Hereford last week.

The arts centre – which was named the first dementia-friendly theatre in the UK a few years ago –has reached around 40,000 people with its menu of Creative Ageing activities, delivered both at the theatre and at care homes across the county.

Last week’s events, marking national Dementia Awareness Week, brought people together to celebrate those achievements.

“It is so easy for people to become isolated by this condition,” said David Durant, associate director at the Courtyard.

“We believe that a diagnosis should not be a barrier to enjoying the arts, for those living with the condition or their families and friends.

"Whether it’s a bespoke dementia-friendly drumming or singing class, or simply a dementia-friendly team welcoming families to cinema and theatre, it’s bringing people together in a safe space and ensuring they can continue to access the arts and all the benefits that brings.

"We had good reason to celebrate that last week.”