A SHOPPER-stopping performance stunned visitors to the Mill Gate at the weekend as dementia awareness campaigners staged their own flash mob.

More than 40 singers came together at the shopping centre, led by members of Bury’s Dementia Action Alliance to perform the Beatles hit, I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends.

Laura Roberts, chairman of Bury DAA, said: “It was a joyous and moving event, which brought people together to focus attention on dementia and how it affects people living with it and their loved ones.

“It was heartwarming to see so many people take time out from their busy day to join in.

“We’ve been running information and awareness events at Mill Gate for the last few years and I’ve really noticed a change in attitude in that time.

“People are now much more willing to talk about this illness which affects so many of us.”

A choir from Persona’s Grundy Day Centre in Wellington Road, were joined by staff from Persona for the flash mob.

Mill Gate’s shoppers were also encouraged to join in and were given the song lyrics.

The whole performance was part of Dementia Awareness Week, which runs from Saturday, May 15 to Sunday, May 21.

Kat Sowden, managing director of Persona Care and Support, said: “Dementia is a condition which affects many of the people we work with, so joining the local Dementia Action Alliance was something which was really important to us.

“We’re proud to be part of the alliance, which does such great work in making Bury a dementia friendly place.

“It’s encouraging that so many local businesses and organisations are taking this issue seriously and recognising that there are things we can do to make life better for people with dementia.

“Persona staff and customers are always at the heart of Dementia Awareness Week events in Bury and this year is no exception.

“It’s inspiring that so many people came out to raise their voices for dementia awareness in Bury on Saturday - it was a brilliant start to the week.”

Persona staff also promoted health and social care services in Bury available to people with dementia. They handed out leaflets and directed people to the relevant services.

Services like, Persona’s specialist dementia unit at the Pinfold Lane Day Centre in Whitefield, which provides support and activities for sufferers and their carers.