THE mayor of Test Valley learned what it was like to live with dementia during a training session.

Councillor Ian Carr and mayoress Beryl took up an offer from Rothsay Grange care home to join a session and embrace the idea of making everyone Dementia Friends.

On the day guests learnt about dementia and how to turn that understanding into action.

Stacey Gardiner, dementia champion at Rothsay Grange who led the group, taught the mayor and mayoress and other attendees about the small ways we all can help those living with dementia.

Upon completing the session, Cllr Carr was made a Dementia Friend.

General manager Jessica Salway said: “We’re really looking forward to making more Dementia Friends in our local community. The condition itself can be quite lonely and frightening, and the more understanding we have the better.

“Our team here at Rothsay Grange are always available to provide support and advice about care to anyone who needs it. If anyone would like to pop in for some advice, or for a tour and a cup of tea, our doors are always open.”

Dementia Friends information sessions are run by volunteer Dementia Friends champions, who are trained and supported by Alzheimer’s Society. The Dementia Friends programme is the biggest ever initiative in the UK that aims to change people’s perceptions and understanding of dementia.

Cllr Carr also had the chance to meet the team and take a tour of the home.