CARERS in and around Bude who look after people living with dementia are set to receive specialist educational support following the launch of a new training initiative being delivered throughout the county.

The Expert Dementia Carer Training programme is being run by Outlook South West, Cornwall's largest provider of independent psychological services. The aim of the initiative, funded by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust (PCT), is to provide free training, information and support to carers of people living with dementia.

A special roadshow event at the Parkhouse Centre in Bude this month (Tuesday, September 29) will provide an overview of the free training courses available to family members and friends of people with dementia, people living with the condition or anyone with an interest in dementia care.

Jo Hague, the lead dementia care trainer for Outlook South West said: "The feedback from our other road show events has been excellent. We would like people to call and book a place, then turn up to find out about the type of free training that is on offer. We hope people will go away from this event with a more informed understanding of dementia."

The event will cover: What is Dementia? Practical Planning for the Future, Caring for the Carer, and Assistive Technologies. Assistive Technology, equipment designed to promote independent living, will also be available at each event so that attendees can sample the latest innovations.

Jo added: "Due to technological advances, people living with dementia can now use devices that can help them overcome potentially hazardous incidents like mislaying items, leaving taps running or forgetting to turn off unlit gas on a cooker."

For more information or to book a place, call Outlook South West on 01208 871904 or email [email protected]">[email protected] .