More than 80 people came together to celebrate the launch of a new strategy that will help thousands of people across the Island living with dementia.
The Isle of Wight Dementia Strategy was unveiled last Friday (May 20) at a public event hosted by Alzheimer Cafes IW at the Independent Arts Creative Hub in Newport High Street.
Alzheimer Cafe IW, Carers IW, Age UK IW, Healthwatch Isle of Wight and Independent Arts worked tirelessly to ensure the voices and views of people with lived experience, and their carers, were at the heart of the strategy which will act as a blueprint for change.
There are currently an estimated 2,655 people over the age of 65 living with dementia on the Island and it is estimated that the figure will increase to 3,920 by 2030.
Cllr Karl Love, Cabinet member for adult social care, said:
"We believe the more we engage and plan together with those who need our support, the better the quality of life we can help them achieve.
"We would like to thank our partners who have shaped the strategy's development, the many contributors to it — in particular our Island residents who have shared their personal experiences to help improve services and outcomes for others."