A FESTIVAL to raise awareness of a life-changing health condition will be taking place this summer in Southampton and online.

Dementia can strike people at any age causing problems with memory, language, judgement and mood.

But a group of volunteers have pushed ahead with plans to host Southampton Dementia Festival in July.

The festival will help dementia sufferers “connect with the natural world” and also raise awareness of the syndrome.

Mayfield Nurseries in Weston Lane, will be hosting craft activities, live music and refreshments on the afternoon of July 13 and July 14.

Meanwhile in the mornings there will be online Zoom sessions featuring an eclectic mix of talks, exercise, singing and nostalgia.

Dr Clive Holmes from Southampton University will be giving one of the talks, and he said: “I am thrilled to be taking part in the dementia festival.

“After years of little advance in new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, hope is on the horizon.”

A festival brochure will be available in early July, listing the statutory services and many of the voluntary and private services in the city that offer support to people living with dementia and their carers.

The events will follow the Covid-19 guidelines currently in force, but will be wonderful opportunity to celebrate together in person, according to organisers.

For further information and to book a place at the Dementia Festival, email or call Katherine Barbour at portswooddag@gmail.com or 07763 863360. Information is also available by searching for the event on Facebook.

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