A service which was successfully launched earlier this year is aiming to reach out to more families living with dementia.

After a brand new Admiral Nurse service was launched to help families living in north Suffolk with dementia, the next phase of the project is being developed.

The GP-based Admiral Nurse service was established in March, with the service – the first of its kind in Suffolk – available to all families registered at Sole Bay Health Centre in Reydon.

Melinda Mortimer has been appointed to the role of Admiral Nurse and the project is now attempting to have Southwold and the surrounding villages recognised as Dementia Neighbours.

Ms Mortimer – known as Mindy – and Cathy Ryan, community matron and founder of Sole Bay Care Fund, in conjunction with Dr Castle and Partners at the GP Practice, are working together in offering additional support, awareness, information and advice for all its residents, businesses, shops and hotels to understand dementia.

Cathy Ryan said: 'It has been a personal crusade for me to make this happen, as I cared for my own mother May with dementia for more than 10 years and there appeared to be little support when I needed it.

'I then discovered Admiral Nurses, but there were none in Suffolk at that time and so I vowed I would do everything I could to support my patients raising the funds to have their own Admiral Nurse'.

With Admiral Nurses providing the specialist dementia support that families need, the scheme has already made a huge difference and is now progressing to the next phase.

Cathy Ryan said: 'The reaction and support of the community has been incredible and so this is the next phase – for the community to take on a caring role.'

A series of dementia awareness information sessions, which are open to the pubic and businesses, are planned.

Southwold Town Council, Reydon Parish Council, Adnams Brewery and several shops have invited Cathy and Mindy to deliver a session to members and staff on October 9 at Reydon Village Hall, from 6pm to 7pm.

A Dementia Friendly Neighbours relaunch event is planned with an advice stall in Southwold on November 1.