The Alton branch of the Newbury Building Society will support Dementia-friendly Alton as its new charity partner.

Dementia-friendly Alton topped the poll after more than 500 Newbury Building Society members, building society employees, and members of the public cast their votes.

Alton branch manager Julie Harness said: “We have been working with the wonderful Alton Foodbank for a number of years, and recently decided the time was right to support a new charity. We left it up to our members, employees and supporters to have the final say.

“We are delighted to welcome Dementia-friendly Alton as our new partner and can’t wait to work with them in a long-term partnership to improve the lives of people with dementia throughout the local community.”

Dementia-friendly Alton runs activities for people with dementia and their carers, including coffee mornings, dance classes, craft sessions, picnics and walks. 

Co-ordinator Karen Murrell said: “It’s so exciting to partner with Newbury Building Society to help us spread the word about what we do far and wide.

“It’s never too early to talk about dementia, and when someone is brave enough to decide they’re ready to talk, we’re here.”