WORKING together to understand dementia was the focus for a group of individuals who spoke at a recent Okehampton Town Council meeting.

Tavistock and Crediton have already been recognised as dementia friendly communities and a focus group has now been formed to follow their lead and support Okehampton to make a difference to those individuals and their families living with dementia in the locality.

Members of Devon Senior Voice Ken and Anne Crawford led the presentation, which sought support from councillors to make Okehampton more aware of the issues facing those living with dementia.

Ambassadors from Okehampton College also attended the meeting with assistant principal Jean Harris and Julie Luckhurst. Alan Roberton, the chair of Okehampton Rotary, also supported the group as the group has been central to funding many of the dementia cafés in the area.

Okehampton College is a dementia friendly college. It initially became involved with dementia when it signed up for a national pilot project in 2012. Its work during the first year of the project led to assemblies, training days and the creation of 'Past Memories', the only dementia café held at any college in England.

The café operates every second Tuesday of the month, and is led by student ambassadors and college staff. New members are always welcome. If you would like to get involved or care for someone who may benefit from the café, call Jean or Julie on 01837 650910.