DORSET is leading the way in fighting the stigma over dementia, with its very first dementia-friendly arts festival.

Arts 4 Dementia (A4D), a national charity that connects people with early stage dementia to the arts, has launched its Reawakening Festival.

There will be over 100 events taking place throughout Dorset until Saturday, June 3, adapted for people experiencing early symptoms of dementia, and their carers or companions.

The festival will celebrate the county’s rich heritage, countryside and artistic life, whilst aiming to help dementia sufferers bypass some of their symptoms by getting involved in an array of activities involving music, dance, poetry and more.

It is part of a wider programme launched by the charity earlier this year, aiming to get dementia sufferers in Dorset more involved in art by organising sessions throughout the year.

Veronica Franklin Gould, director of the festival and Arts 4 Dementia founder, said: “It’s been very exciting to watch the development of people with dementia, and reprieve their interest in cultural life.

“There are 14,000 people with dementia living in Dorset, and around 7,500 have early stage dementia.

“It’s those people that we are particularly looking to help – those who are living on their own and don’t want to necessarily seek help or be labelled.”

The events are led by organisers trained to override dementia symptoms and encourage participants to revive, develop and learn artistic skills.

Veronica says engaging with the arts and enjoying country exercise helps preserves the identity of people with dementia and gives them a sense of purpose in the community.

A4D is working closely with organisations such as Bournemouth University, the Alzheimer's Society and the NHS, as it moves towards its long-term goal of integrating arts activity into dementia care.

For more information visit arts4dementia.org.uk.