A NEW day centre for young people with dementia has received a £300,000 grant.

Peaceful Place received the huge grant from Veolia Pitsea Marshes Maintenance Trust.

The grant will enable the charity to refurbish its new site in Timberlog Lane, Basildon into a bespoke day centre and community hub for people living with young onset dementia as well as other members of the community.

The new centre and hub are due to open during the Autumn.

The central location will enable the charity to service a wider area including Thurrock as well as Southend, Castle Point and Basildon.

The new day centre and community hub will provide enhanced specialist facilities including a dementia-friendly landscaped sensory garden and sensory room and facilities which can be used for a wide range of other community activities including workshops and meetings.

Jeffrey Hansen, chief executive officer at Peaceful Place, said: “Peaceful Place exists to provide the best possible support to those affected by a diagnosis of young onset dementia.

“We have been working with young onset dementia for over 21 years and we take great pride in what we do.

“The grant from the Veolia Trust will enhance our service and we are extremely grateful to them for the opportunities which have now arisen as a result of their grant.

“We look forward to relocating to Basildon and working with the local community”.

Doug Benjafield, chairman of the Veolia Pitsea Marshes Maintenance Trust said: “Trustees were delighted to support this proposal as it clearly demonstrated that it would benefit all members of the community.

“It will offer a truly flexible space which would be enjoyed by all”.

The charity has been providing community activities, cognitive stimulation and care for those under 65 diagnosed with young onset Dementia for 21 years.

It helps with advice and support for families and their carers.