LOCAL resident and former carer Cherie Waldon is organising a meeting in the hope of setting up a support group for people with dementia and their families in Swindon.

Mrs Waldon, who recently lost her husband to dementia, said: "We are planning to set up a steering group to lend support to local people who have been affected by dementia. There are excellent facilities and services for the treatment of dementia in Swindon, but we are hoping to start some sort of further organisation. We want to point people in the right direction."

Ruth Berry, regional manager for the Alzheimer's Society, said: "There is a gap in the Alzheimer's Society network in Swindon. The nearest branch is in Chippenham and obviously we welcome the idea of volunteer organisations starting up."

The Alzheimer's Society celebrated its 25th anniversary this year and currently has over 25,000 members.

The meeting will take place at noon on October 29 in the Pilgrim Centre in Regent Circus.