CHORLEY has taken its first steps to becoming a dementia-friendly community to support people who suffer from the debilitating disease, and their carers.

The town hall hosted an event to launch the dementia-friendly community’s bid, with groups and businesses gathering to hear speakers highlight the need to raise awareness of dementia, and to promote better understanding of the needs of sufferers, and their carers. Speakers included Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle, George McNamara, head of policy and public affairs for the Alzheimer’s Society, Stephanie Tufft, chief executive of Age UK Lancashire, and Simon Clark, head of health, environment and neighbourhoods at Chorley Council.

As part of its commitment to becoming a dementia- friendly community, Chorley Council has pledged to take on the role of community leader, co-ordinating initiatives encouraging people to understand what dementia is.

It will also train frontline staff, and encourage other groups and firms across Chorley to train their staff to recognise dementia if they haven’t already done so.