DEMENTIA sufferers can get help and advice next week at a series of events.

Dementia Awareness Week runs from May 19 to 25 and aims at helping people living with the condition and their partners.

With one in 14 people over the age of 65, and one in six over 80, suffering a form of dementia now and a predicted increase of nearly a quarter in Thurrock by 2020, dementia has a huge impact on the population.

On Tuesday, May 21, the local Alzheimer’s Society and a member of the Memory Service will be at Blackshots Library in Blackshots Lane, Grays, between 2pm and 5pm to give information and advice to anybody who is worried about their memory.

On Thursday, May 23 they will be at Corringham Library in St John’s Way, between 10am and 2pm.
The Blackshots and Corringham areas have the highest percentage of people with dementia in the borough.

Wednesday, May 22 sees a 20-minute film called Darkness in the Afternoon at the Thameside Theatre, Grays, with showings starting at 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm. All showings are open to the public and free of charge.

Finally, on Friday, May 24 the Dementia Action Alliance is being launched at the Beehive Resource Centre in Grays.

Four one-hour information sessions are being held starting at 9am, noon, 1pm and 5pm where local organisations can find out more about the scheme.

To find out more, or book a place at one of the sessions, email info@healthwatchthurrock.org.