A DEMENTIA support service that has helped many people across South Craven is proving a massive success.

The initiative – provided by charity Making Space – has staged drop-in sessions at venues region-wide, including Cross Hills Library.

Set up two years ago, it works to promote dementia sufferers' quality of life and independence.

The service is funded by North Yorkshire County Council and NHS clinical commissioning groups.

A new project has now been launched to provide additional support, get involved with community groups and help dementia sufferers have their voices heard.

Councillor Clare Wood, North Yorkshire's executive member for adult social care and health integration, said: "This new service is a very welcome addition to the work Making Space is already doing to ensure people living with dementia and their families can get the information and support they need, particularly when they have been recently diagnosed.

"The dementia support service helps people to come to terms with their diagnosis and understand the options available to them – accessing what they need, when they need it.

"It offers an holistic approach that provides a constant source of help for people through what can be a very complex and difficult time.

"Importantly, this new service will also give them the chance to talk to others in a similar situation and influence how and where we provide the services they need.

"This work means more people living with dementia are being helped, enabling them to continue doing what they have always done and to try new things for as long as possible."

Making Space team leader, Roy Tomlinson, said the initiative would provide a massive boost to those with the condition.

"People affected by dementia can feel their voices are not heard and they have little to contribute to life in their local area," he added.

"Our new service will enable them to express their views on the things they think will help them and make it easier for them to play a part in their local community, which all helps to improve their quality of life and to live well with dementia."

Support is also provided in North Yorkshire by another voluntary organisation, Dementia Forward, also funded by the county council and CCGs.