A COUNCIL has been recognised for its efforts to help people living with dementia and their carers.

Colchester Council, a member of the Colchester Dementia Action Alliance (CDDA), has been described as "working towards becoming dementia friendly" by the Alzheimer’s Society.

Each CDDA member must develop an action plan and make pledges to enable this to happen.

The council achieved its accreditation by raising awareness through staff training sessions and will continue to offer further training opportunities via its partners, including Community360, Age Well East and Alzheimer's UK.

Julie Young, Colchester councillor responsible for housing and communities, said: “We all know or will have someone touch our lives in the future with dementia.

“As a dementia-friendly organisation, we believe a huge difference can be made to the lives of all those living with dementia if people around them understand the difficulties they face.

“That is why I'm delighted this award recognises our ongoing efforts to raise awareness and sign-post support among our staff and others.

“Only by being armed with a better understanding of the life-changing impact dementia has on families and wider communities will we be better able to improve the lives of all those affected by this terrible illness now and in the future.”