A top local expert on dementia is offering a free session on dealing with the disease for those caring for someone or living with it themselves.

David Barenskie, from the Green Tree Court nursing home in Exeter, is a Dementia Champion. He will be at Kennaway House, in Sidmouth, from 2.30pm until 4pm next Monday (July 9) for a free awareness session.

He will be joined by activities organiser Merle Weiner who will be talking about the importance of activities that help maintain cognitive abilities.

The points David will be emphasising are that the disease is not a natural part of ageing, it is not ‘going mad’, it is an organic disease, people can still live well, it is not just about memory – it takes over all aspects of life and there is more to a person than their dementia.

At the end of the session, people will be invited to become a ‘dementia friend’ and even a ‘champion’ themselves.