SOUTH Craven people are being urged to have their say on a draft dementia strategy for North Yorkshire.

The blueprint, Bring Me Sunshine, outlines proposed improvements to dementia support services – by the county council and partner organisations – over the next five years.

It has been drawn-up based on the experiences of people with the condition, their carers and health and social care experts.

Richard Webb, the county council's corporate director for health and adult services, said: "The draft strategy has been developed with the help of the Alzheimer's Society together with our dementia support service providers, Dementia Forward and Making Space.

"They were all part of the editorial group and were able to involve people living with dementia.

"They also organised and contributed to the North Yorkshire Dementia Congress last October.

"Bring Me Sunshine was the title of the congress. It symbolises the fact that, although living with dementia brings many challenges, it does not automatically have to stop people enjoying life."

Key themes of the strategy include challenging the stigma associated with dementia and raising awareness, the importance of early diagnosis and ensuring consistent care and support.

The consultation runs until June 23.

For more details and to comment, visit northyorks.gov.uk/dementiastrategy.