A groundbreaking campaign is being launched to make Keighley a ‘dementia-friendly’ town.

Businesses, community groups and residents are being brought together to share ideas to achieve the goal.

People are being urged to attend an event next week to kick-start the initiative.

Cathy Henwood, the dementia-friendly communities co-ordinator for the Alzheimer's Society in Bradford, said: “Keighley is the first town in our district to start to work towards becoming dementia-friendly.

“We are working with partners in business, Bradford Council, health and the voluntary sector and members of the public to encourage everyone to be part of a Keighley that is friendly and supportive of people living with dementia.

“We want a town where carers don’t need to feel concerned if their loved one gets in a muddle in a cafe, where anyone who feels confused or finds it hard to express themselves knows they will be given time and respect in the shops and businesses, and one where there is support and understanding services available.”

She added: “To make Keighley dementia-friendly will take all sorts of people to get involved – young and old, and people who work and live in Keighley or visit. Please get in touch and get involved.”

Next week’s free event is being held on December 12 at Central Hall in Alice Street, between 10am and 12.30pm.

It is being organised by the Alzheimer's Society, Bradford Council’s neighbourhood service, KIVCA, Keighley Healthy Living and the Airedale Shopping Centre.

Keighley councillor, Doreen Lee, the council’s older people’s champion, encourages the public to attend.

“We all want to carry on with everyday activities, and with more understanding, people with dementia will be able to do this,” she said.

“In Keighley, we are particularly keen to work with shops and local businesses to explore collectively how we can make life easier for those with dementia, their family, friends and carers.

“I hope people will take the time to attend the event, contribute to the discussion and work with us to explore how we can make Keighley a dementia-friendly town.”

E-mail KeighleyAreaCoordinatorsOffice-@bradford.gov.uk or call 01535 618008.