Somerset Council backs plans to make the area more dementia friendly
Somerset Council is set to improve dementia awareness and provide better support to those living with the disease and their carers
Somerset Council has backed plans to make the county more dementia friendly.
Councillors unanimously supported a motion at a full council meeting on Wednesday, which will see work towards improving awareness and support for those living with dementia and their carers.
The council plans to become a dementia-friendly organisation, with councillors and staff encouraged to take part in dementia awareness training and the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme.
It will also work with the NHS, charities, voluntary organisations and community groups to improve support for people affected by dementia.
The motion was proposed by Conservative Councillor Tom Power, who spoke about his own family’s experience of the condition.
He said dementia can have a significant impact on families and carers, adding: “We all have a role to play in making our communities more dementia friendly.”
The motion also calls for the leader of Somerset Council to write to the Health Secretary in support of a national 18-week target from dementia referral to diagnosis.
Councillor Sue Osborne highlighted figures showing Somerset’s dementia diagnosis rate was 54.8% in March 2025, compared with 65.6% nationally.
She said the gap meant people in Somerset could be living with dementia without a diagnosis and missing out on support and advice.
The council says services will also be encouraged to consider the needs of people living with dementia when developing information and services for residents.