A DRIVE to make the city dementia friendly has been officially launched.

More than 100 people took part in the Brighton and Hove Dementia Action Alliance event earlier this month.

It brought together organisations, carers, interested individuals and people with dementia in a bid to work more closely to help people with the condition and their carers.

Local businesses and organisations are asked to pledge to make changes to their workplaces and ethos to ensure ensure greater access for those with dementia.

Co-ordinator Matthew Moors said: “Everyone has a role to play in helping Brighton and Hove become a dementia friendly city.

“This includes organisations providing services to people living with dementia via the council, health service and care providers.

“However it also includes local hairdressers, cafes, places of worship, friends and neighbours, bus and taxi companies, bank chains, supermarkets, the police, schools, sports centres and theatres as well as many others.

“We can all make changes to our behaviour and our services to create a safer and more inclusive society for people with dementia.”

Brighton and Hove mayor Pete West and Brighton and Hove buses managing director Martin Harris were among those at the launch.

The alliance combines the resources of Age UK Brighton and Hove and the city’s clinical commissioning group.

My Life Films, an organisation that works with individuals with dementia to create short films of their lives, is one of the first organisations to be given funding by the alliance.

It is currently looking for people in the city to take part in the project.

The launch also heard from carer Ellen Jones, who spoke about her experience supporting her mother,

She said: “Although there are challenges in dementia, there is also joy, wisdom, love and truths remaining that are life-enhancing

“It makes such a difference when members of the public know about dementia and offer kindness and support.”

The alliance is bringing two events to the Brighton Fringe in May.

This includes a reading of Don’t Leave Me Now, a piece inspired by the impact of early onset dementia on two very different families.

The second will be an open event with information stalls and a short film screening.

There are more than 3,500 people currently living with dementia across the city.