WELLINGTON could become the south west’s first ‘dementia inclusive town’ after landing more than £250,000 to make it happen.

Reminiscence Learning has been awarded a £279,788 grant from the National Lottery to drive the project forward over the next three years.

The money, from the National Lottery Community Fund ‘Reaching Communities’, will help Wellington implement measures to make the town fully inclusive for those living with dementia.

Chief executive of the award-winning charity, Fiona Mahoney, said: “That means that every single person who bought a lottery ticket is responsible for this incredible opportunity – so thank you.

“This really is the most fantastic news for us and the town – to be honest we’re still in shock at the moment.”

The money will help the charity appoint two new officers and work towards opening a High Street hub in Wellington, providing a drop-in point for anyone wanting help in understanding dementia and how to deal with the next steps.

There is also a plan to deliver a ‘Supporting Your Dementia Journey’ booklet through every letterbox in the town, providing crisis line numbers and advice.

Meanwhile, dementia awareness workshops will be run for businesses and organisations, as well as an expansion of the charity’s Archie Project, enhancing links between schools and Wellington’s older residents.

Signs with ‘dementia awareness prompts’ will be put up around the town to help people living with dementia, while businesses will be offered signs for their shops and offices to enhance the shopping experience for those living with dementia.

There will also be quarterly ‘Town Talk’ open forums providing an open and empathetic platform where people can reach village agents, adult social care, adult mental health, local care providers, local solicitors and NHS representatives in one place.

“It is about making a real difference for people living with dementia and their families, so they don’t feel isolated, especially in more rural communities,” Fiona added.

“And sometimes it is just the simple things – like signage with simple wording – that will be an enormous help.

“We want to get to a point where every shop, every workplace, every public space in Wellington is dementia inclusive.”