AN event dedicated to raising public awareness about dementia in the Tavistock area has had to be postponed until next month, organisers this week announced.

The free event, which had been advertised for Friday, November 23, will now take place at Tavistock Town Hall on Monday, December 17.

Dementia — the symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by certain diseases or conditions, such as Alzheimer's – affects an estimated 12,000 people in Devon, and the numbers are rising. The condition has been well described as the 'loneliest disease in the world', and a frightening one for patients and carers alike.

The West Devon Dementia Awareness Day and information fair has been designed to help reduce such fears by offering members of the public informed insights into the condition, and signposts to support.

The occasion will also mark the launch of the Tavistock Dementia Action Alliance, which aims to make the town 'dementia-friendly' for those with dementia and their carers.

Angela Rippon, a celebrated champion of those with dementia and their carers, is to be the keynote speaker. As well as Ms Rippon, other speakers will include reminiscence therapist Janet Brown; Tony Parker, a Rotarian and chair of the Tavistock Dementia Action Alliance; and June Wildman, chair of Tavistock Memory Café.

Event organiser Ken Crawford said: 'Owing to an unfortunate clash in diary dates, we have had to postpone the awareness day. We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused, but the occasion will be well worth attending for anyone concerned about dementia, and we look forward to seeing many people there.'

The day has been organised by the Okehampton and Tavistock branches of Devon Senior Voice — the voluntary forum for the over-50s — and supported by REPoD, the arm of Rotary dedicated to easing the problems of dementia, and Tavistock Dementia Action Alliance.

The free event runs from 10.30am to 3.30pm at Tavistock Town Hall. Light refreshments are available (donations welcome), and lunch will be provided for a small charge.

For more information, and to book a lunch, please contact Devon Senior Voice, PO Box 210, Harberton, Totnes TQ9 9DA, or email [email protected]">[email protected] or phone 01803 732678.