A KEIGHLEY organisation is working to address what it describes as dementia-related inequalities facing people from minority communities.

As part of the initiative, and to mark Pakistan Independence Day, Dementia Friendly Keighley is promoting to Pakistan heritage communities in the town the range of support and guidance on offer.

The organisation, based in the Airedale Shopping Centre, provides information to raise awareness of dementia and offers support through various activities and services.

Helen Charters, Dementia Friendly Keighley's information and support centre co-ordinator, says: "We recognised that different communities may have varying approaches to dementia and how families support those living with the condition.

"We’ve therefore been working hard to reach out to all communities across Keighley to support individuals and families in being able to gain a better understanding of dementia and how they can live well with it by accessing information and support from peers, and benefit from activities, advocacy and signposting to appropriate services.

"Dementia does not discriminate, and given the fact that there's no word for dementia in South Asian languages, we have been working with a number of experts by experience to draw attention to living well with dementia and coping well with looking after a relative with it."

Dementia amongst minority communities is expected to increase by seven to eight-fold over the next few decades.

Shahid Mohammed came up with the idea of linking an awareness drive with Pakistan Independence Day.

He says: "Coping with dementia can benefit from reminiscence, and people's memories of Pakistan and their early years in Keighley is a good way to support older Pakistani heritage citizens who are living with dementia."

The initiative is welcomed by Dementia Friendly Keighley patron, Dr Mohammed Akhlak Rauf.

He says: "Academic evidence shows that minoritised ethnic communities face stigma and bias, and to a large extent have a mistrust of service providers, when accessing services.

"These communities present late for help and support, often assuming spiritual possession is affecting the person exhibiting symptoms. This adds to complexities for people in South Asian communities already managing health needs such as diabetes, even before dementia is taken into account."

Dementia Friendly Keighley says it welcomes everyone in need of help and support.

Its information and support centre is open weekdays, 10am to 4pm. Alternatively, call 01535 602529.

For anyone only able to speak Punjabi or Urdu, Nusrat Parveen is available on Tuesdays between 10am and 1pm.