A NEW dementia project will be officially launched in Leominster next week.

The Meeting Centre has been open since February 1 and has been building up members but it will be celebrating its official launch on Tuesday.

Mayor of Leominster, Councillor Felicity Norman, will be attending as well as representatives from the Association of Dementia Studies team from University of Worcester and members of the Meeting Centre.

The venue is open from 11am to guests to view the centre, visit stands and experience some of the activities, while refreshments are served.

Formal proceedings will begin at 11.55am and will come to an end at 12.30pm.

The Meeting Centre follows on from a successful initiative in the Netherlands and offers support for carers and people with dementia.

The centre provides personalised support, activities and services alongside monthly information sessions open to the public that help Leominster in becoming a dementia friendly community and raising awareness about dementia.

Debbie Powney, day support manager for Herefordshire Meeting Centre, said: “I am looking forward to hearing from the variety of speakers who will contribute their experiences of building and shaping the Meeting Centre here.

"The launch promises to be an exciting day for Leominster.”

The Meeting Centre is a joint-project between Alzheimer’s Society, Herefordshire County Council and the University of Worcester’s Association of Dementia Studies department.

Councillor Patricia Morgan, Herefordshire Council Cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “I am pleased that Herefordshire is due to benefit from such a worthwhile venture; one which has the potential to support and improve the wellbeing of those with a diagnosis of dementia and their families.

“The Meeting Centre is a promising, innovative example of good practice where health and social care organisations alongside volunteers will work together to provide comprehensive, cost effective and easy to access support; enabling those with dementia to live longer independently with a better quality of life.”

For information on local services and support currently delivered by Alzheimer’s Society in the county, email Herefordshire@alzheimers.org.uk or call 01432 371 137.