The Old Mining College Centre in Burntwood, home of Burntwood Town Council
The Old Mining College Centre in Burntwood, home of Burntwood Town Council

A plan has been drawn up to make Burntwood a dementia-friendly town.

The Old Mining College Centre in Burntwood, home of Burntwood Town Council
The Old Mining College Centre in Burntwood, home of Burntwood Town Council

Carers and those living with dementia will be the focus of the initiative drawn up by Burntwood Town Council.

Among the proposals are that mapping will take place to identify where affected residents are living across the area.

Discussions are also being planned with local businesses to find ways to make shops more dementia-friendly.

Cllr Di Evans
Cllr Di Evans

Councillor Di Evans, Chairman of the council, said: “I have decided this year to have dementia as my charity and I hope to raise as much money as possible to support this important cause.

“It is an issue that unfortunately many residents of Burntwood suffer from and it is an ever-increasing problem.

“I also want to highlight the role of carers, who do such an amazing job for their loved ones and who are often under considerable strain.

“Therefore I am delighted that Burntwood is working towards becoming a dementia-friendly town and I sincerely hope people will support me in my aim.”

Councillors will also undergo dementia training as part of the initiative, with the authority also drawing up a list of support services to display online.

Cllr Sue Woodward, leader of the council, said: “It has long been an ambition of the council to make ours a dementia-friendly town and I am proud that we have now set out some firm first steps to make it happen.

“We want to encourage all of our residents and local businesses to do their bit on behalf of the many families who are hit by dementia and the care needs for sufferers and help us to raise awareness of and support for this growing health problem.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.