CRICKLADE Town Council is helping to pioneer a scheme that will help dementia sufferers in the town.

The scheme, organised by Wiltshire Council, has been set up to improve the quality of life of those with dementia.

Cricklade will be working together with Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council to pilot the scheme, which is set to be rolled out by every council across Wiltshire.

The news follows the publication of Wiltshire Council’s joint strategic assessment report which says that Cricklade has the fourth highest number of dementia sufferers in Wiltshire.

Charlotte Rogers-Jones, clerk to the town council, said: “We want people to have an understanding about what dementia is and to find out what we can do to help people.”

“We want to get other organisations involved and make sure everybody has the opportunity to have some information.”

“We have a high level of people here with dementia. We as a community have to accept that as fact and have to work together to care for these people.”

As part of the scheme, the town council will be receiving training on dealing with dementia sufferers from Cricklade librarian Pat Hughes.

Mrs Hughes has received training from Wiltshire Council and currently runs memory sessions at the library. She will also attend steering group meetings with councillors from the town.

Once Cricklade council’s staff have been trained they will be hosting dementia support and information sessions for business owners and residents.

The council plans to put together a leaflet on dementia awareness which will be distributed in the community and set up a facebook page that will provide information on the illness.