A campaign has been launched to teach people about how they can help dementia sufferers.

The national programme, which is led by Public Health England and the Alzheimer’s Society, aims to recruit one million Dementia Friends across England by 2015 to help people with the condition live safer and more independent lives.

In 2011, Cambridgeshire had more than 7,000 residents living with dementia and with more people living longer this number is set to grow.

Dr Liz Robin, director of public health at Cambridgeshire County Council, who back the campaign, said: “People with dementia not only lose their memory, but may sometimes also lose their friends. People who do not understand dementia can find it difficult to deal with.

“By becoming a Dementia Friend you can increase your understanding of the condition and the everyday challenges people living with the disease may face, providing you with the knowledge to understand and help those living with dementia.”

To take part in the Dementia Friends initiative, visit www.dementiafriends.org.uk.