THIS week (29 May – 4 June) is Dementia Awareness Week and a number of drop in information sessions are taking place in the Scottish Borders to give people the chance to talk about dementia and reduce the stigma surrounding it.  

Dementia does not define someone. It is one thing about a person, not everything. People with dementia can learn new things, continue with work and hobbies and live a full, enjoyable life.

READ MORE: Man arrested following disturbance in Galashiels supermarket

There are currently over 90,000 people in Scotland living with a dementia diagnosis, so it’s likely that dementia has touched your life - you might have been diagnosed with dementia yourself or have a loved one, friend or neighbour who is living with the condition.

This Dementia Awareness Week, Alzheimer Scotland are encouraging people to hold a ‘Tea and Blether’ event to raise money and awareness for people living with dementia.

Christine Proudfoot, Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Nurse Consultant, said: “Dementia Awareness Week is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of dementia in the Borders. This includes those who are worried about their memory, those seeking a diagnosis and those looking to access support.

READ MORE: Philomena Protocol rolled out throughout Scotland from today

“I meet and hear from people living with dementia every day, and therefore know just how important it is that we all do our bit to support people with dementia to live well here in our local communities. Please consider attending one of our events or hosting one of your own ‘Tea and Blether’ events to get involved in the conversation and help raise awareness of dementia.”

For more information about local support available in the Borders, contact Alzheimer Scotland Borders on 01573 400 324 or email borders@alzscot.org.

The following drop in information sessions are taking place on Dementia Awareness Week in the Scottish Borders.

READ MORE: SBC aim to raise dementia awareness and reduce stigma

Tuesday May 30 between 10.30am and 3.30pm at Mayfield Garden Centre Kelso

Wednesday May 31 between 10.30am and 2.30pm at St Boswells Village Hall

Wednesday May 31 between 1pm and 4pm at the Borders General Hospital

Thursday June 1 between 10am and 1pm at Heart of Hawick

Thursday June 1 between 10am – 4pm at Dementia Resource Centre in Kelso

Friday June 2 between 10am – 3pm at Asda in Galashiels

Friday June 2 between 1pm and 4pm at the Borders General Hospital.