A NEW initiative bringing local services and support people living with dementia and their loved ones under the one roof was launched in South Lakeland this week.

The first of 12 South Lakes Dementia Hubs, which provide a ‘one stop shop’ of information, advice and practical support for those concerned about dementia, was held in Kendal on Monday.

More than 850,000 in the UK are diagnosed with dementia, with more than 2,000 of them living in the South Lakes.

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One of the people to attend the first hub at the leisure centre was Kath Teasdale, from Kendal, who acts as a carer for her husband, Clive, who has vascular dementia.

"I think this is a good initiative," she said. "It's useful to have everything under one roof when you have a limited amount of time. It's difficult to leave my husband.

"It's good for people to come together and meet other people, who know what you are going through."

The couple, who have been married 50 years in October, faced a lifestyle change when Clive was diagnosed with dementia two years ago after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

"We were planning for our retirement. We were looking forward to walking around the Lakes, meeting people and visiting places, and all of this has suddenly ended," she said.

To be held monthly across the area for the next year, the Dementia Hub seeks to help thousands of people who are currently missing out on treatments and support, including those worried about their memory, people already diagnosed with dementia as well as their families and friends.

The initiative is backed by Kendal Dementia Action Allowance (KDAA) and supported by its members, local organisations and the wider community.

KDAA trustee Ali Hodson said: “We believe thousands of people who could have dementia aren't accessing services that could benefit them and their families.

“Within South Lakeland we aim to offer the information, advice and support needed for people to live well with dementia.

“This new initiative will seek to build on the existing work of dementia-specialist organisations that already have a strong presence in the area, and also complement The Bay Dementia Hub which is operating in Lancaster.

“It will be an important part of providing early intervention and focus on maintaining independence in the community."

The initiative is supported by KDAA members, including Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK, South Lakeland Carers, University Hospitals Morecambe Bay, Memory Matters Service, financial planners, benefits advisors, lawyers, researchers, carer activities, technology experts and more.

The next South Lakes Dementia Hub will be held at the Kendal leisure centre on July 10, September 11 and October 9, at Sedbergh People's Hall on August 14 and at Lunesdale Hall, Kirkby Lonsdale on November 13.