A BID is being made to set up a group to improve the lives of people who suffer from dementia and loneliness in Ludlow.

It is hoped that a support group will be established that will enable people to meet each day, socialise and get something to eat.

Tracey Huffer, a nurse in the town and member of Shropshire Council is working with Vivienne Parry, also a Shropshire Councillor in Ludlow, to see if they can get the idea off the ground.

Vivienne Parry believes that there is a particular need in Ludlow.

“The town has a higher proportion of older people than is the national average,” said Vivienne Parry.

“A consequence of this is that there is a considerable number of people who are suffering from some form of dementia or are lonely.

“We have a lot of people who are living on their own because they have lost partners and get extremely lonely.”

Vivienne Parry said that the while the problem affects both men and women, she feels that being lonely can be a particular problem for men as they tend to be less social and make fewer friends than women.

“Loneliness and isolation can be a terrible problem for people. I know people who have lost husbands or wives and have not had any real social contact for many years,” added Vivienne Parry.

While younger people and those in early middle age can suffer from dementia, it is predominantly a condition of the elderly and so Ludlow, with its ageing population, is disproportionately more affected than other towns and cities.

Vivienne Parry believes that there are about 250 people living in Ludlow with some form of dementia.

“This is a high number for a town the size of Ludlow and there is a real need,” said Vivienne Parry.

“Dementia is a terrible condition for those that suffer but also for the family, friends and carers of those that are affected by the disease.

“If we can have somewhere in the town that people with the disease can go to get a meal or to meet others, then this will help not only the sufferers but also those who care for them.

“I want us to be known as a town that cares for people with dementia and the lonely.”

Figures show that there are 72,000 people or almost one in four of the population in Shropshire aged 65 or over and this number is expected to increase to more than 91,000 by 2026.

Of those aged more than 65, an estimated seven per cent suffer from some forms of dementia and this figure is also on the increase.

Many dementia sufferers are able to look after themselves and live in their own homes in the early stages of their illness.

The first step towards trying to set up a group for those suffering from dementia and the lonely will be a public meeting at the Ludlow Women’s Centre on Tuesday, March 7 at 5.30pm.