OKEHAMPTON College is one of seven Devon schools that have been supporting the national initiative to create dementia-friendly communities.

Students from the college were among those who met chairperson of a range of dementia care organisations Angela Rippon at the Corn Exchange in Exeter last week — she referred to the young people as 'trailblazing and pioneering.'

Twenty-one schools across the country are involved in the 'Intergenerational School Project' to break down barriers and help create communities that work to help people 'live well with dementia.'

In Devon the ageing population is set to spiral. By 2033 there is an expected 36% increase in 60 to 74 year olds and a staggering 91% increase in those aged over 75.

Okehampton College has undertaken assemblies, surveys, workshops and visits and participated in local memory cafés.

The college held its own 'past memories' café recently and two more events are planned in June and July on the themes of 'transport' and 'school holidays.'

Students said they found the experience at the memory café very 'humbling' as they came to realise how much dementia can impact lives. One thing they had not thought about was how hard it is for the lives of their carers.

Last week the Alzheimers Society supported a workshop which will create more resources for the college's 'past memories' café and next year a number of sixth formers are expected to take social care qualifications in dementia.

As a co-operative trust school the college is also considering setting up this group as a young co-operative, which will lead and champion its dementia work further.