A dementia support group has been relaunched under a new name and say they have big plans for the future.

Beacon Dementia and Wellbeing has also relocated to new premises and will host face-to-face sessions at The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery in Rawtenstall.

The group was formerly known as Made in Haslingden and met at Haslingden Community Link.

They aim to provide a hub to support people living with dementia along with their carers as well as a base for anyone who is struggling with loneliness or isolation to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

The charity includes four trustees: Janet O’Driscoll, Rachel Yates Hoyles, Glynis Page and Jane Riley.

Janet said: “Made In Haslingden has been going for five years and started working with The Whitaker during Covid.

“One of the first things we did with The Whitaker was a Zoom nature project called ‘Nature for You’ and this was led by local artist Emma Long. As soon as we could meet outside in person, we then spent a few hours on Professor Jigget’s nature trail around the park.”

The charity is working up plans to develop a shed at the rear of the museum which will provide the carers group with a home and a workshop available for members to use.

Currently Beacon Dementia and Wellbeing meets once a month at The Whitaker on the third Friday, and Beacon Carers Group meets fortnightly with sessions held on Zoom and face-to-face.

Carole Nolan, from Haslingden, attends the carers group with her partner of 30 years Wayne Cooper who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 18 months ago.

She said: “When I got the diagnosis it was devastating. It came out of the blue and there was not a lot of help out there.

“Coming here has given me lots of support and advice, both through the Zoom meetings and by meeting carers face-to-face and just being able to ask questions and have people point me in the right direction.

“I feel there is nothing out there when your partner has a dementia diagnosis and you are just left to it. With Beacon Carers Group, there is always someone on the end of the phone or an email. It is brilliant.”

Rachel, who is one of the founders of the charity, said: “It is about peer support, providing a sharing and caring group and it has led to lots of friendships being made and people meet up outside of the group.

“Our remit is to support people living with dementia and also to help people who are lonely or isolated. Everybody is always welcome to come along and Beacon Dementia and Wellbeing is an inclusive charity.

“We aspire to help Rossendale become a more dementia aware society.”

For more information about the charity visit www.beaconrossendale.org.uk where carers have shared their own experiences and there is advice for people caring for someone living with dementia.

To find out more about the group you can e-mail hello@beaconrossendale.org.uk