PEOPLE concerned about their memory can speak to staff from the Alzheimer’s Society as the charity brings its community roadshow to Saffron Walden this week.

Staff will be on hand to offer advice and information about the condition, and will be offering one-to-one confidential support consultations, as the tour vehicle visits the town’s Tesco store on Wednesday (October 17), from 10am-4pm. No appointment is necessary.

It is hoped the roadshow will raise awareness about dementia across the Saffron Walden area.

Marion Howell, support services manager for Alzheimer’s Society in west Essex, said: “In Uttlesford alone, there are estimated to be over 1,000 people with dementia and their family and friends, many of whom are frail and elderly, face the impact of the illness on a daily basis.

“Dementia is a disease which often starts with memory problems, but can also cause changes in mood, judgement, personality, communication skills and can affect our ability to manage day-to-day tasks.

“People are often coping with the illness behind closed doors, but it is really important to know that there is help and support available to enable them to live well with the condition.”

The society offers a range of services in Uttlesford, including immediate practical and emotional support, information and signposting following diagnosis, home visits, courses for carers, reminiscence groups, memory cafes in Saffron Walden and Great Dunmow, a weekly gardening group and a specialist group for people who have dementia under the age of 65.

Dementia support manager for the society in Uttlesford, Eileen Bracewell, said: “We would like to encourage people in Saffron Walden to make contact with us.

“We believe there are many people who live in the area who are experiencing memory problems, but have not visited their GP to share their concerns. It is important that everyone gets all the help and support they need. Nobody needs to face dementia alone.

“Our team is only too pleased to visit families touched by dementia in their own homes to see what we can do to support them.”

For more information, call 01371 872519.