FORMER Mayor John Holden and a singing group made up of people with memory problems were in fine voice at an event at the intu Trafford Centre.

Cllr Holden joined Alzheimer’s Society staff, Singing for the Brain groups from across Greater Manchester, and representatives from the Dementia Action Alliance for the event, which was as part of Dementia Awareness Week.

Shoppers were encouraged to join in with songs from the Singing for the Brain groups and allowed people to get more information about dementia. People could get more information about dementia and also hang notes on a memory tree about what they would say to dementia if dementia was a person.

Singing for the Brain is a programme developed by Alzheimer’s Society for people with memory problems.

Jen Burgess, Dementia Action Alliance project manager North West said: “The event at the Trafford Centre was a big success. Everyone enjoyed the singing from the groups especially customers and centre staff - many joined in and came over to ask more about the group. It was also an opportunity for people to get more information about what they can do to make Trafford a dementia friendly community.

"This year we wanted to tackle the myths and misunderstandings about dementia and to show people that life doesn’t end when dementia begins. Talking about dementia can be scary, but confronting the condition and seeking help early offers the best chance of getting the right support, advice and treatment.”

Cllr Holden said after the event on May 20: "It was great to join Alzheimer's Society staff and the Singing for the Brain groups in the Trafford Centre to confront dementia head on for Dementia Awareness Week.

"Dementia will affect more and more families as the year’s progress and the work of the Alzheimer’s Society in providing education and support will be invaluable."

For further information on the Dementia Action Alliance visit: www.dementiaaction.org.uk