Melksham wellbeing event will host Alzheimer’s Society Roadshow

A health and wellbeing event in Melksham will give people an opportunity to put their questions to experts and find out more about dementia, and other conditions, as the Alzheimer’s Society Roadshow rolls into town at the end of the month.

The charity’s mobile information service will be stopping off at the Market Place in Melksham on Friday 28th September from 10am to 4pm. It is part of a special health and wellbeing event organised by Melksham Community Dementia Action Alliance Group, with the support of Wiltshire Council.

Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Community Roadshow aims to increase local awareness of the condition which affects more than 6,900 people in Wiltshire.  

A team of experts will offer free information and advice to anyone with queries about the condition, as well as helping to promote the benefits of an early diagnosis. People currently living with dementia or those concerned for loved ones with memory problems are welcome to visit the team. No appointment is needed.

As well as the charity’s Roadshow bus, the Market Place will be filled with stands from other organisations. All will be offering free information and advice. Stallholders will include, amongst others, Healthwatch Wiltshire, Melksham Seniors, Alzheimer’s Support, Swan Advocacy, and Citizens Advice.

David Walker, a member of the Melksham Community Dementia Action Alliance Group and carer for his wife who has Alzheimer’s disease said, “Dementia is now the biggest single cause of death in the UK. Any opportunity to increase awareness of the condition, especially the benefits of early diagnosis has to be welcomed.

“The Alzheimer’s Society Roadshow, and the supporting contributors, are an essential part of this. This event also supports Melksham’s recently announced membership to the UK Network of Age Friendly Communities.”

During the health and wellbeing event there will also be two one-hour Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends information sessions, led by Dementia Friends champions from Melksham Community Dementia Awareness Action Group. This is a chance for people to learn more about dementia and turn their understanding into action. The sessions will be run in the Assembly Hall at 11am and 2pm. 

Rhys Schell, Wiltshire Council’s Melksham community engagement manager said, “We are delighted to see the Alzheimer’s Society Roadshow coming to Melksham. It’s an ideal opportunity to involve many of the local organisations, as well as helping to increase local awareness of dementia and the support and services that are available to those with the condition, and their carers.”

Andrew Day, Alzheimer’s Society’s services manager for Wiltshire added, “We’re delighted to be part of this event. Dementia is one of the biggest health and social care challenges of our generation, yet it continues to be a condition surrounded by stigma. This can mean that people who are worried about dementia, or simply want to find out more, may not know where to turn.

“Our Dementia Community Roadshow offers an opportunity for those people to get the information and support they need. People in Melksham are working hard to create a dementia-friendly community, where people affected by dementia are understood, valued and supported. We’re very proud to be a part of that.”

If you are unable to visit the roadshow but would like to find out more about dementia, call Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia helpline on 0300 222 11 22 or visit alzheimers.org.uk.