A GROUP of people with a vision to make Bury a friendlier place for those living with dementia met at a local care home.

The Bury Dementia Action Alliance support and encourage action in the local community so Bury can become a dementia-friendly town.

They met at Brookdale Care Home, in Chesham Crescent, which provides specialist care in its purpose-built accommodation for people with dementia.

Pat Jones-Greenhalgh, executive director of Adult Care Services for Bury Council and chairman of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services in England (ADASS) also attended the meeting, and championed the excellent work taking place in Bury.

She felt the area should host national dementia conferences, due to the significant need for dementia care in Bury and the willing support of the town’s Dementia Action Alliance group.

Brookdale Care Home manager Karen McMahon said: “It was a great pleasure to host the meeting and to see so many people supporting a cause close to my heart. Working as a group together, I am sure we will reach our goal to make Bury a dementia friendly environment."

The Bury Dementia Action Alliance is made up of organisations aiming to radically improve the lives of people living with dementia and their carers. There are more than 30 Alliance members in Bury, including, Bury Leisure Services, Bury Council Library Service, Great Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service as well as charities and local businesses.

Rachel Yates, dementia development co-ordinator and chairman of the Bury DAA said: “Brookdale Care Home is an active member of DAA and are committed to, and undertake, meaningful actions to improve the lives of people affected by dementia and embrace the challenges that come with learning, understanding, making change and working with other organisations in the community to make a difference."

To find out more about the Dementia Action Alliance and details of the Bury group: visit http://www.dementiaaction.org.uk