WILTSHIRE’S own dementia charity Alzheimer's Support is thanking everyone who has supported it as it marks its 30th anniversary year.

The charity started in a tiny office in Trowbridge in 1990, with just one employee, Anna Littlechild. She led the charity for 25 years, building a network of trained support workers, opening pioneering day centres and starting the first memory cafes, singing groups and carers support groups.

In 2017, under new CEO Babs Harris, the charity expanded to bring its services to the whole of Wiltshire.

Today it supports more than 2,000 people with specialist dementia advisers and award-winning practical services including day clubs, home support and more than 40 community groups. It employs 162 people and more than 160 give their time as volunteers.

Babs said: "I am immensely proud of this organisation and what we have achieved together in Wiltshire and want to thank everyone who has supported us over the years.

"When Anna started Alzheimer's Support began there were no specialist services in the community for people living with dementia. Even a decade ago people affected were too often kept in the shadows, not welcomed in their communities and often not given a proper diagnosis. Things have improved a great deal since then and we are proud to have been at the forefront of change here in Wiltshire.

"We'd love to be able to shut up shop after 30 years but the reality is we are needed more than ever. There is still no cure or effective treatment in sight, and even here in Wiltshire there is still inconsistency in the way people are diagnosed and referred on.

"We know there is more to be done to ensure people living with dementia and their families get the support and care they deserve and we are committed to doing this in the years to come."

Anna Littlechild, who retired in 2015, said: “I am immensely proud of the organisation and what we achieved and Babs has done an amazing job of growing it. The ethos we had in the early days is still there and the charity is still doing so much good.”

There are lots of ways to support Alzheimer’s Support in its 30th anniversary year. They would like 30 people to take part in a sponsored skydive in September, but if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, why not join in the sixth annual Walk to Remember in May.

People living with dementia in Wiltshire is expected to rise by 44 per cent by 2021.