KINDA, the Knighton Initiative for Dementia Action, was officially launched by Roger Williams MP and Kirsty Williams AM at the community market in Knighton recently.

A grassroots alliance of local businesses, community groups and individuals, KINDA raises public awareness of dementia and aims to help make Knighton and the upper Teme Valley a dementia-friendly area.

“'I no longer have the confidence to go out' is a common reaction of people who have been diagnosed with dementia,” said Vanessa Garwood of the Alzheimer’s Society. “KINDA will be working to develop strategies to support both those living with dementia and their carers and families,” she added.

Ideas so far include a ‘safe haven’ cafe where dementia-aware staff will support people who are confused or lost and a ‘slow’ supermarket checkout that helps to give people time and space to continue to live independently. KINDA is also a supporter of the new Crossroads Care Saturday respite club at The Cottage – Y Bwthyn. The club offers quality care and fun activities for people with dementia and memory loss and a break for their carers.

“Anyone can be part of our local movement helping people with dementia to remain part of their community and to live enjoyable and fulfilled lives,” said Julia Llewellyn-Roberts, one of the four Knighton Dementia Friends Champions working with KINDA. “You can get involved initially by becoming a Dementia Friend. KINDA run frequent free Dementia Friends awareness sessions in association with the Alzheimer’s Society.”

For more details see www.dementiafriends.org www.facebook.com/kindacommunity