A UNIQUE scheme to provide support and understanding for people living with dementia has been launched in Barry.

The Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan Council Howard Hamilton has launched the Dementia Supportive Communities initiative in Barry, the first of its kind in the Vale.

The pilot forms part of the three-year Dementia Plan which was launched earlier this year. The initiative involves a number of public and private organisations working together and taking part in dementia awareness sessions, which have been developed by the Alzheimer’s Society.

Along with another in Cardiff, the pilot in Barry will run for a year, after which the initiative will be rolled out in stages to the rest of the Vale.

Melanie Andrews, operations manager for Alzheimer’s Society in south east Wales, said: “It is great to hear of the positive work happening in Barry.

“The programme isn’t about creating experts, it’s about helping people understand a little bit more about what it’s like to live with the condition and then turn that understanding into action.”

Cllr Hamilton added: “I am delighted to offer my support to this initiative and would urge the residents and local businesses in Barry to attend the awareness sessions, so that those who are affected by dementia, along with their carers, are given the support and encouragement they need.”