A community-run group is hosting a one-day conference for people to explore how West Berkshire can become a better place for those living with Dementia.

The West Berkshire Dementia Action Alliance (DAA) are running Understand: Stand Together as an initiation-only event to those from health, social care, businesses, emergency services, the voluntary sector and local government.

The event will see decision makers come together to shape public and private services and adapt the built environment - including towns and villages - to meet the needs of people living with dementia.

However, the agenda on the day is to be shaped by feedback from local people via a special survey and the DAA are asking everyone to take part.

Greg Walsh, chairman and West Berkshire DAA, said: "This is an important step in creating a more inclusive community for people living with dementia and will also benefit those living with cognitive and/or sensory impairments and the elderly.

"Working together we can provide more effective health and social care services while making our community, businesses, homes, towns and villages more accessible and relevant to people living with dementia.

"Dementia costs more than heart, cancer and stroke combined today, with more than 850,000 people in the UK affected at a cost of more than £26bn.

"This is expected to nearly triple by 2050, with more than 2.1 million people affected."

Rick Jones, West Berkshire’s executive xember for health and wellbeing, said: "If we are to make effective changes for those living with dementia, it is vital that we hear from our communities.

"I would urge anyone who is living with dementia, or knows someone that is, to complete the survey to make sure all of the important topics and issues can be covered on the day."

The survey can be found here https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/59GPY3K, and responses must be in by March 15.

For more information about the survey or the event, contact Sue Butterworth at 01635 503410 or email sue.butterworth@westberks.gov.uk.