A GOVERNMENT grant means that five new posts have been created to raises awareness of dementia and offer support across the district.

Andy Morgan-Watts, a dementia champion for the Forest said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Catherine Harris, Sarah Davies, Nina Summerfield, Roger Pickett and Ruth Ward to the team as dementia-friendly community enablers.

“With their help we can now further expand our support network in every parish through delivering awareness sessions. The new team members, working with other members of the Forest of Dean Dementia Action Alliance, will recruit a network of people to act as community links.

“In partnership we will continue to raise awareness of dementia and provide personalised support to some of the most vulnerable people in our community who may be currently struggling to manage.”

Sarah Davies, who has taken up one of the posts, added: “I’m so excited to have the opportunity to get involved with the community and help those whose lives are affected by dementia.

“It is a subject close to my heart and I am looking forward to helping local communities.”

The new posts are funded through a Department for Communities and Local Government grant to the district council.

To get in touch with one of the new dementia-friendly community enablers, contact Lena Maller, Forest of Dean District Council community engagement officer, on 01594 812609 or email [email protected]