A WEST Devon woman who was instrumental in helping Tavistock to become the UK’s first dementia-friendly town was honoured for her work at a prestigious national Rotary ceremony at the House of Lords recently.

Tavistock Rotarian and Yelverton resident Geri Parlby was presented with the champion of change award at the ceremony hosted by Baroness Harris of Richmond and Lord William Hague.

Geri, an internationally-respected art historian, has been at the forefront of Rotary’s decade-long campaign to help people with dementia and their carers and has been central to Tavistock becoming the UK’s first dementia-friendly community. She is deeply involved in Tavistock Memory Café and in the creation of the Tavistock Community Sensory Garden in the Meadows.

Geri advises a number of Rotary clubs on creating dementia-friendly communities, setting up memory cafés and community sensory gardens and developing ‘lend a hand’ projects.

She has helped to develop a guide for fellow Rotarians on how to support people within their clubs living with dementia and works with Admiral Nurses, Dementia UK, Alzheimer’s Research UK and many other organisations to raise funds and awareness about dementia-related issues.

Geri told the Times: ‘Until recently, there has been a stigma associated with dementia and people were unable to talk about it, including the very significant impact it has on families.

‘Today however, we speak more openly and unashamedly about dementia and its impact on individuals and families.’

Tavistock Rotary Club president Catherine Bailey said: ‘This change in people’s attitudes is due, in no small part, to Geri who has been at the forefront of numerous projects to support people with dementia and their carers.

‘She has initiated, and been involved in, many dementia projects and initiatives, both nationally and internationally. The champion of change award is the latest recognition of the work of this extraordinary Rotarian and we are proud to have her in Tavistock.’