A SERVICE that helps support people living dementia and their carers has been extended for a further 12-months.

The Carers Trust North Wales Crossroads charity offer a range of personalised support to people who have been diagnosed with dementia and their families. This includes access to a named dementia coordinator, as well as training, emotional support, social activities and signposting to support in the community.

The service, which is the first of its kind in Wales, has been extended with funding from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), after receiving a 23 per cent increase in referrals in the last year alone.

Among those paying tribute to the charity is Chris Roberts, 58, of Rhuddlan.

Mr Roberts was diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 51. The former businessman works as an ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society and as vice chair of the European Working Group for People with Dementia.

"Having a designated named person to turn to means that they can build up a good rapport with the family and it’s much easier then to get the help you need, rather than talking to some nameless person," Mr Roberts said.

"When you’re having to introduce yourself and tell your story to different people over and over again you get information overload and you just give up.

"Dementia is not a very good companion, so nobody should be sat at home living with dementia. It’s not good for the person diagnosed and it’s not good for the people around them.

"It causes stress and anxiety.

"The best thing we can do is be out and about socialising meeting other people and exchanging hints and tips and sharing information on different support with each other."