LUDLOW has a higher proportion of older people than the national average.

This also means that there are larger numbers of people suffering from dementia in one of its many forms.

But a project is being launched that is intended to help to reduce the isolation faced by people trying to cope with the condition.

It comes after a particularly difficult time when Covid-19 has added to the problems of isolation and left some people struggling to understand what is happening in the world around them.

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is appealing for volunteers across Shropshire Telford & Wrekin for a new project aimed at reducing loneliness and isolation amongst older people living with early to mid-stage dementia in Shropshire.

The ‘Let’s Talk’ project provides a weekly telephone call or accompanied walk and is particularly looking for volunteers who can offer friendly and interesting conversation over the telephone for 20 minutes or more, or a regular weekly walk for companionship and exercise and to give a short respite for carers.

Heather Osborne, Chief Executive Officer of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, said that the project gives people with an interest in dementia chance to get involved in providing practical support.’

“Let’s Talk is an exciting new project and an opportunity for those with experience of or an interest in dementia to get involved in something incredibly rewarding,” said Ms Osborne.

“Volunteers will be asked to call or visit at the same time and on the same day each week and feedback any welfare concerns about the client to the Age UK Let’s Talk Coordinator. Dementia communication and dementia friends training will be provided as well as expenses and on-going support to ensure volunteers are confident and happy in their roles.’

Dementia is a condition that tends to affect people as they get older although it is not confined to the elderly.

It is largely associated with short term memory loss but can be much wider than this.

Some people are able to look after themselves in their own homes whilst others reach a point where they need specialist care in a home or medical setting.

Contact Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin’s volunteer recruitment team on 01743 233 123 for further information and an application pack. Alternatively, visit www.ageukshropshireandtelford.org.uk or email volunteering@ageukstw.org.uk.