THE Charity Commission for England and Wales has approved Tavistock Dementia Alliance’s application to become a charity.

The decision recognises all the work the volunteers from the alliance have contributed to making Tavistock a dementia-friendly town.

Chairman of the alliance Tony Parker, said: ‘I’m delighted with this recognition from the Charity Commission. The Tavistock Dementia Alliance was set up to encourage people in our town to increase their awareness and understanding of dementia and, ultimately, to achieve the national status of being an officially recognised dementia-friendly community.

‘Training is provided free of charge by qualified volunteers and the Alliance hope that by the end of 2018 more than 50 organisations in Tavistock will be recognised as dementia friendly.’

Mr Parker said that more than 530 individuals in Tavistock have also now had ‘dementia-friends’ training. Initially the work of the alliance was focused upon shops and businesses, however research through the memory café revealed that those with dementia and their carers wanted to still feel part of the community and also wanted to continue to do what they had always done for as long as they were able.

‘We realised that by involving local voluntary and social groups such as churches, the Tavistock Golf Club, Tavistock Area Support Service, Tavistock Community Sensory Garden and Mount Kelly swimming complex, we could organise social activities to include people with a dementia and their carers.

‘We now run regular dementia-friendly swimming sessions at Mount Kelly and organise dementia-friendly walking facilitated by TASS.’

Research nationally has identified that some of the biggest issues facing people concern their physical and social wellbeing.

Many can feel isolated and lonely in any community. People often stop doing things that they have always loved for many reasons including a diagnosis of dementia. The dementia alliance wants to encourage all to continue to be active and enjoy a social life.

Mr Parker said that gaining Charity Commission status will afford more opportunities to work in partnership and collaboration with others. He added: ‘I would like to point out that gaining the recognition allows us to collect Gift Aid on any personal donations to support the work of the Alliance!

‘We are adding a simple online donate process to our website at www.tavistockdementia.org.’

If anyone would like further information on the work of the Tavistock Dementia Alliance or fact sheets on dementia and the role of carers please contact [email protected] or through the alliance website.