A NEW group designed to offer advice and support to families affected by dementia starts in Dunbar next Thursday (March 19).

The group, based in the town’s library, will meet from 6 to 7pm on a weekly basis.

Lorna Bunney, senior library assistant, told the Courier that was just one of a number of dementia-related projects taking place at the Bleachingfield Centre.

She said: “Our aim is to promote the library as a safe and welcoming place for all members of the family living with or connected to dementia.

“We could possibly help by acting as a hub where people can access information, support and help.

“We want to roll it out to the outlying areas like Innerwick, Stenton and Spott and try to create links there.

“I’ve also just finished a reading list of titles on dementia.” Those books will be aimed at a wide range of ages, covering youngsters, teenagers and young adults through to carers and people with dementia.

Mrs Bunney added: “We’ve got a collection of picture books to stimulate conversation and memories.” The weekly meetings are part of Dementia Friendly Dunbar, which was set up last year.

The group, which is one of a number being set up in towns and villages across the county as part of Dementia Friendly East Lothian, aims to highlight places in the town which can offer assistance or are just doing that little bit more for those touched by dementia.

Pippa Swan, chairwoman of Dementia Friendly Dunbar, said: “There is a genuine recognition that dementia for a long time has been rather taboo.

“But people have been increasingly aware of it and increasingly willing to talk about it. We’ve got an ageing community and it is likely most families will be touched by dementia.” More than 1,700 people across the county are diagnosed with dementia. That figure is expected to more than double in the next 20 years.

Mrs Swan said they were looking for increased emotional and practical support in the town, with a special information event being held at the Bleachingfield Centre at the end of May.

Various health professionals are expected to attend, along with solicitors, offering advice.

Mrs Swan, who is also a community councillor in the town, said: “I think the library will be key and it will provide a real hub of information.”