BRIDPORT is going dementia friendly to help end the isolation and stigma attached to the condition.

May 14 to May 20 is Dementia Awareness Week and to raise the profile of the condition, one group is holding a friendship workshop.

People can attend Dementia friend sessions at Bridport Arts Centre, led by the Alzheimer's Society on Wednesday, May 17, at 11am and 2pm.

Sessions are just one hour long and promise to be informative and interesting. Everyone who attends will leave as an Alzheimer's Society affiliated Dementia Friend and receive a free badge.

The Bridport Dementia Friendly Town Steering Group, which organised the events, is keen to make sure dementia is a topic that everyone can talk about openly.

Participation Office, Megan Dunford, said: “Dementia effects so many people in our community. Often those with a form of Dementia, their family members and carers are left feeling like outsiders in society.

“We want to develop a shared understanding of Dementia. By attending a Dementia Friend Session you will feel more supported and confident about how you can help.

“Let's make people with dementia and their carers will feel more included.”

As well as the sessions, there will be a Special Artists' Talk from Jenni Dutton on Friday, May 19, at 4pm. Jenni's large scale dementia darnings are currently on view in the cafe space. They were created whilst caring for her mother who lived with dementia until she peacefully passed away in 2015.

A dementia friendly screening of Singin' in the Rain will be shown on Thursday, May 25, at 2.30pm at Bridport Arts Centre. There is also a special free workshop for those with early stage Dementia and their carers on Wednesday, May 31, from 11am - 2pm,

For more information email participation@bridport-arts.com or call 01305 424204, extension four.