MORE than 1,600 people across Cheshire East have rallied to the call to become ‘Dementia Friends’ since the national campaign was launched just three months ago.


The campaign, which was launched in the Borough by former Coronation Street actress Judy Holt in June, is about recruiting and training people to spot the tell-tale signs of dementia among family and work colleagues.


Judy Holt, who is currently starring in the police drama Scott and Bailey, became a champion of the national campaign to create awareness of dementia following her role as Lesley Kershaw in The Street.


Judy said: “I am so pleased that so many people and organisations in Cheshire East are responding to the call to be a part of such an important campaign aimed at supporting people with dementia and to spot the early signs of this dreadful disease.


“I would appeal for more people to come forward to volunteer as Dementia Friends.”


Cheshire East Council leader, Councillor Michael Jones, is elated with the response, but says the Council has even bigger plans for the campaign.


Councillor Michael Jones, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “Within three months of launching this campaign we have over 1,600 people who have volunteered to help others by being trained to spot the tell-tale signs of dementia, a cruel disease.


“We want to promote a concerted community effort to support individuals with dementia and lead businesses towards a Corporate Social Responsibility policy which involves them developing a support network to help those with dementia or showing early signs of dementia.”


Since June, 80 people have been trained as Dementia Champions, who are volunteers who have agreed to drive forward the message within their workplace or community.


Cllr Jones added: “We need many more volunteers but I am so proud of those people who have already come forward and cannot thank them enough.”


For more information visit dementiafriends.org.uk.