RESIDENTS across the Forest of Dean are being encouraged to learn more about dementia and the importance of seeking a diagnosis as Dementia Action Week takes place across the UK.

Forest of Dean District Council is supporting the campaign by highlighting the work of the Forest of Dean Dementia Action Alliance, which provides a wide range of resources and support through its website.

The campaign comes as figures show one in three people living with dementia in the UK do not have a formal diagnosis, meaning many people may miss out on treatment, support and a better understanding of the condition.

The alliance’s online resources include ten educational films developed by NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, offering insight into life in residential care from the perspectives of residents, carers, family members and friends.

Other resources include information on local support groups, dementia friendly activities, podcasts, videos and guidance for people living with dementia and their families.

Projects featured on the website include the Let’s Talk Dementia board game, which helps families and communities discuss dementia in an accessible way, and Crafted Together, which invites people to knit or crochet bookmarks and forget-me-not flowers to raise funds for community activities.

There is also advice on accessible buildings, dementia and domestic abuse, support for pet owners living with dementia, Gloucestershire Libraries’ housebound service and outdoor wellbeing resources encouraging people to explore the Forest.

Residents can also find information on Sheppard House Daycare in Newent and Tabletop Travels, a project designed to tackle loneliness and isolation among older adults.

More information and resources are available through the Forest of Dean Dementia Action Alliance website.

The website also highlights Chance to Chat, a project celebrating people’s life stories and encouraging conversations between families, friends and communities to help reduce loneliness and strengthen social connections.