OKEHAMPTON College students will be among those highlighting the plight of people with dementia as part of a campaign to improve the lives of dementia sufferers and their carers and families. Dementia Friendly Okehampton (DFO) will be launched at a Dementia Awareness Day and information fair in the town tomorrow (Friday). The free public event will feature speakers on a range of topics, from insights into dementia to what is available to support patients and carers, alongside stands from a range of organisations involved in helping those with dementia. Representatives from DFO — made up of students and staff from Okehampton College, Okehampton Town Council, members of Devon Senior Voice, the town's Chamber of Trade and Okehampton Rotary — will explain the idea of a 'dementia-friendly community' and how Okehampton can work towards becoming one. Experts attending include Dr Kathryn Vile, Jenny Richards, the joint strategic planning and commissing manager for older people's mental health in Devon and a dementia nurse working in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. This is the eighth dementia awareness day in Devon planned with Devon Senior Voice, but the first directly involving young people and students. Okehampton College actively supports the participation of students in such events. Julie Luckhurst from Okehampton College said: 'Here in Okehampton, we see the challenges of dementia not being the responsibility of one age group but a shared community issue, which young and old must tackle together if we are to impact and make a practical difference to people's lives.' The event runs in the Charter Hall from 10am to 4pm. For further information and to book a place and lunch at the dementia awareness day on Friday, July 11 contact Ann Crawford on 01837 840562 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]