Hundreds of people discovered the depth of support available to people living with dementia at a special event. 

The East Hampshire Dementia Festival, run by EHDC and Petersfield Dementia Friendly, hosted all the services, support groups, charities and organisations that can help people with the condition. 

Now in its third year, with a break for the pandemic, the festival is a well-established event on the calendar. 

Held at Petersfield Festival Hall last Friday, it played host to around 30 groups running information stands, crafts and activities, presentations from legal and medical experts and provided performances from the Petersfield Dementia Choir. 

Jeff Williams of Dementia Friendly Petersfield said: “There is so much help and support for people with dementia and their families, but often people don’t know where to get it. 

“At the East Hampshire Dementia Festival, it is here, all under one roof.  

“With local groups like the choir and our regular walking football games, there are ways you can keep your mind and body active and slow down the effects of dementia. 

“What the whole event shows us is that, with the right help, you can live well with dementia.”

Cllr Julie Butler, EHDC’s deputy leader, said: “This is such an important event for people and provides so much help to where it is really needed. 

“Welfare and support to our most vulnerable residents is one of EHDC’s top priorities and you can see the benefits an event like this brings to people.”