WINCHESTER is set to follow in the footsteps of other Hampshire towns to become a ‘dementia-friendly’ place.

Following the announcement of Romsey’s £500,000 makeover which will see a reduction in the number of trip hazards, Eastleigh soon declared its Dementia Friendly Town Centre open at a special event in September.

Now Winchester is following suit as more than 40 businesses and organisations back the campaign.

At a celebration last Thursday members of the Hampshire Dementia Action Alliance received their ‘working towards dementia friendly’ stickers from the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Eileen Berry, and were given a special performance from the Singing for Wellbeing Group, part of the Winchester Live at Home Scheme.

The scheme, run by the city council and mental health charity Andover Mind, means businesses will create staff training action plans.

Cllr Liz Fairhurst, county council executive member for adult social care and public health, said: “With nearly 20,000 people estimated to be living with dementia in the county now, and the possibility that this number may double by 2030, our Dementia Friendly Hampshire programme has made significant progress in raising awareness of dementia.

“Individuals and businesses are embracing the need to understand how to support people with the condition putting Hampshire at the forefront of the Dementia Friendly Communities work nationally. I wish Winchester every success with their dementia friendly initiative.”

Cllr Jan Warwick, portfolio holder for environment, health and wellbeing, said: “I am delighted to endorse all the effort in working towards making Winchester High Street a better place for people with dementia and their carers. It is very pleasing to see so many local businesses signing up and offering their support.”