The first ever regional dementia awareness conference in Bath & North East Somerset will be held in Peasedown St John on Tuesday, May 21.

Organised by the Peasedown Community Trust, the conference will feature keynote speakers, information stalls, networking, a tasty lunch and an opportunity to meet charity leaders and experts working in the field of dementia research and awareness.

The new Chairwoman of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Cllr Karen Walker (Independent, Peasedown), said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting this conference in Peasedown St John.

“Every three minutes, someone in the UK will develop dementia. With dementia on the rise, communities across the country are making a stand, and Peasedown St John is no different.

“Since 2019, more than 250 residents have attended one of the Peasedown Community Trust’s dementia awareness workshops. They have been instrumental in raising the profile of the work we’re doing in the village – which will be showcased at this first ever regional conference in May.”

Keynote speakers include Cathy Wernham, a senior clinical research fellow from RICE (the Research Institute for Care for Older People) and Lisa Derrick, Regional Manager at the Methodist Homes Association.

A huge range of organisations will also be present for delegates to meet, including:

  • Care UK
  • B&NES Library Service
  • Alzheimer’s Society
  • Peasedown Community Trust
  • Peggy Dodds Centre
  • Healthwatch B&NES
  • Homesharewest
  • Appleton Nutrition
  • Hillcrest Surgery
  • Radfield Homecare
  • RICE
  • Methodist Homes Association

The conference is completely free for anyone who’d like to attend thanks to funding provided by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Cllr Gavin Heathcote (Independent, Peasedown) has allocated £500 from his Ward Councillors Empowerment Fund to cover the costs of the event. He said: “There are currently 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia, and that figure is set to rise to 2 million by 2050.

“One in four people will be affected by dementia in their lifetimes, especially those diagnosed with clinical anxiety in middle age, which is why it’s important to work with individuals and their families to try and make life much easier for those who have it. 

“The team at the Peasedown Community Trust have been working very hard to put this event together – I’d encourage anyone to take up the opportunity to attend.”

Peasedown St John’s first ever Dementia Awareness Regional Conference, ‘Creating a Dementia Friendly Community’, will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 10am – 3pm at St John’s Church, Church Road.