Man with dementia says diagnosis not end of world

John Horrocks (left) and Neil McKellar (right) help to organise dementia friendly events in Sandbach

A member of a dementia community group has said that being diagnosed with the condition is not the "end of the world".

Neil McKellar, who is part of Dementia Friendly Sandbach, which is based in Cheshire, said his diagnosis marked a new beginning in his life.

"I know I've got [dementia] so I'm going to make the most of it and help others get through it," he said.

Mr McKellar encouraged people to talk about their diagnosis with others and get involved with groups like the one he joined, which he described as "another family".

Dementia Friendly Sandbach started as a project in 2018 and aims to create a town where those living with the condition are supported and accepted.

Member Jo Knowles said that the understanding of dementia had increased across the town since the group started.

“I’ve come on brilliantly since I’ve moved from Crewe to here. Everybody here is so lovely with me.”

The group gets people involved in the community by providing activities like coffee mornings and day trips.

It hopes that members will feel less isolated by joining the group and speaking to others in a place outside of their home.

Anne Thompson, who cares for her husband, described the dementia community as a "family".

“It’s just amazing. Without our group it would be horrible. We would be very, very lost.”