The Alzheimer’s Society and Dorset Forest School joined forces to give local people in the county a chance to enjoy some Christmas craft making.

As part of the Society’s Memory Café, people tried their hand at felt-making and woodcraft to create beautiful decorations ready to go on the Alzheimer’s Society’s tree in Bridport Tree Festival.

The group members created their own felt which was cut out to make flowers as well as painting on wooden discs, drilled and decorated by each individual.

The tree will be a very special sight.

All the decorations are completely handmade by the group which supports people with dementia and their carers in Bridport.

Melanie Gale, group facilitator for the Alzheimer’s Society in Dorset, said: “It was wonderful to see people in the group being creative.

“It was an opportunity for carers to get involved alongside people with dementia and both try something new.

“People had the opportunity to try working with wood for some of the decorations and all enjoyed rolling out the felt. Everyone had fun and really enjoyed themselves – which is exactly what the group is about. There are 8,627 people with dementia living in Dorset.

“With the right support people can live well with the condition for a number of years.”

Memory Cafés provide people with dementia and their carers a platform to talk openly about living with dementia in a relaxed and informal environment.

Bridport Memory Café provides different activities every time the group meets, varying from quizzes and reminiscence to crafts and singing.

Tea and cake are part of the £2 fee.

Alzheimer’s Society Memory Cafés also hear from a variety of guest speakers, including health and social care professionals and representatives from the local community, about topics and services relevant to them.

For more information on the Bridport Memory Café or Alzheimer’s Society services in Dorset, call 01202 716393 or email dorset@alzheimers.org .uk