THE Crediton and Area Branch of Devon Senior Voice (DSV) held a fourth, very successful Dementia Awareness Day on Wednesday, September 7 at the Boniface Centre Crediton.

About 80 members of the public, voluntary workers and health professionals attended the event.

An update was given on the progress of Crediton as a dementia-friendly community.

The speakers included a representative from Dementia UK who talked about Admiral Nurses and the work they do with family and carers of people living with dementia. Dr Jennifer Bute gave an inspirational presentation which gave an insight into maintaining independence and living well with dementia.

Other speakers included Brian Shillingford, chair of Crediton Dementia Action Alliance (CDAA) and Marion Pollinger a volunteer with the Alzheimers Society who gave an update on CDAA.

Graham Pilsbury from Gilbert Stephens Solicitors in Crediton talked about the importance of Lasting Power of Attorney with a question and answer session which many attendees found very helpful.

A facinating session on Singing for the Brain was given by Jackie Forbes which was well-received by many.

Interesting talks were also given by Kate Shillingford, a mental health nurse, Lorraine Mee of Mid Devon Carers, Libby Price of the Filo Project, Sarah Forde of Neighbourhood Friends, and Jane Haizelden of Upstream included some chair exercises.

There were a number of information stands at the event including Age Concern, Crediton Care Services, Crediton Dementia Alliance, Crediton Station Tea Rooms Memory Cafe, Crediton Disability Group, Devon Senior Voice, Hillbrow Residential Care Home, Summerhayes Care Home and Upstream in the Community.