THE Redvers Unit at Okehampton Hospital held an open day last week to raise awareness of dementia.

The day was organised by the Community Mental Health Team for Older People in Okehampton, and offered the opportunity to talk with mental health professionals.

The unit holds a series of monthly groups and sessions to help people with dementia, and endeavours to support people with dementia in their own homes. Attending the session was Central Devon MP Mel Stride.

He said: 'What an uplifting and happy occasion. A great opportunity to not just promote a greater awareness of dementia but also to recognise that there is nothing taboo about it and there is very positive support at hand through groups like this.'

Carol Hookway, community support worker with the team, said: 'Dementia is an issue that is gaining increasing interest and awareness and we are keen to help people find out more about the illness and what can be done to support people with it.

'Here in Devon, we have a high proportion of older people living in our communities and this means that we need to work particularly hard to raise levels of understanding and awareness about dementia. We are hopeful that this event will be an important part of this learning process.'

To find out more about Redvers, call 01837 658006.