A LOWESTOFT-based charity is offering a befriending service to people who have been diagnosed with dementia. The free service run by the Lowestoft and Waveney office of the Alzheimer's Society aims to offer support, activities, care and encouragement, enabling people to continue to pursue hobbies and leisure activities - accompanied and assisted by their befriender - tailored to the individual's interests.

A LOWESTOFT-based charity is offering a befriending service to people who have been diagnosed with dementia.

The free service run by the Lowestoft and Waveney office of the Alzheimer's Society aims to offer support, activities, care and encouragement, enabling people to continue to pursue hobbies and leisure activities - accompanied and assisted by their befriender - tailored to the individual's interests. At the same time, the service provides a break for carers.

Th service is available to people recently diagnosed and those who have been living with the condition for some time.

Alice has recently joined the team of befrienders at the Lowestoft and Waveney office who visit in the local community and hope, through their unique service, to increase the well-being and quality of life of those living with this condition.

She said: 'Since joining the befriending team in the Waveney area I have seen how people living with different forms of dementia can really benefit from our visits. They are able to take up hobbies and interests again with our help that they may otherwise have been unable to. The feedback we have received from people currently using the service has been very positive.'

The service is available throughout the Lowestoft and Waveney area, including Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth and Southwold, and the surrounding villages.

If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with dementia, and you would appreciate the support the befriending service provides please contact us at the local Alzheimers Society office on 01502 514712 for more information.