A WREXHAM County Borough Councillor (WCBC) for Chirk who has long been involved with dementia support, is happy to see the town receive 'Dementia Friendly' status.

Chirk, as well as Holt, are two towns within the county which have been recognised for having dementia friendly communities.

The Alzheimer’s Society defines a dementia friendly community as a city, town or village where people with dementia are understood, respected and supported.

WCBC Councillor for Chirk North, Frank Hemmings, is a member of Wrexham Dementia Friends group and has been part of the push to make the county dementia friendly.

He is pleased with the news that Chirk has been declared 'Dementia Friendly', and believes it is really important to consider those living with the condition.

“The most important is for people to realise the number of people with dementia is growing,” he said.

“There is a good chance a lot of people in communities like Chirk are dealing with dementia, so we must give them the opportunity to live as normal a life as possible.

“I’ve done a number of Dementia Friends sessions, and it taught me everyone with dementia is affected in different ways.

“Lots of people think it just affects memory, but it doesn’t – that’s why I got involved initially.

“It can have many different effects, so by making a few simple changes around a town or village, we can help massively.

“Things which can help some people with dementia are small changes to signage and shop openings and windows.

“St Mary’s Church has become one of the first dementia friendly churches in north Wales which we are very pleased about.”

Work is being carried out in towns and villages across the region to ensure they also become 'Dementia Friendly'.

Over the last few months a number of local businesses and community groups around Wrexham have attended a Dementia Friends session to gain more awareness on what it is like to live with dementia.

Cllr Hemmings believes it is important that everywhere learns to consider those living with dementia.

He added: “Ideally, we would like to see the whole county borough become Dementia Friendly eventually.

“We have had great success so far, so hopefully looking ahead that’s something we can realistically achieve.

“It’s important that we encourage people who may have friends or relatives with dementia to ignore the stigma surrounding the condition and share their knowledge and experience to help others living with it to live as full a life as possible.

“There are lots of organisations near Chirk helping people to live with dementia.”

Chirk Dementia Support Group meets weekly on Thursdays between 10am and 12noon at Black Park Chapel.

For more information about the group, contact Bridget Drukker on 01691 778800.

Anyone wishing to find out more about Wrexham Dementia Friends can do so by contacting Cllr Hemmings on 07506 471863.