ALMOST 400 people in Keighley have signed up as ‘dementia friends’ as part of the Dementia Friendly Keighley campaign.

Townspeople, businesses and organisations have pledged to become more caring and understanding towards people with dementia.

The Dementia Friendly Keighley group, which is driving the campaign, recently adopted a constitution meaning it can now apply for grants.

The group plans to work with the Alzheimer’s Society to train local ‘champions’ who can help expand the number of dementia friends.

Awareness sessions are planned with community groups including Keighley Association Women and Children, Roshni Ghar and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Volunteers are also planning to create a Dementia Friendly garden in Keighley in association with the Healthy High Street initiative.

An update on the campaign, which celebrates its first birthday next month, was presented to Keighley Area Committee recently. (February 19)

The committee, part of Bradford Council, last year gave £10,000 to support the development of Dementia Friendly Keighley.

A Dementia Friendly Keighley spokesman said: “People living with dementia want to continue to live their lives as part of the community and retain as much independence as they can.

“This is made much easier when neighbours, members of the public, businesses and organisations have a caring and understanding attitude towards dementia.”