ROCK music is not normally something you might think would help dementia.

The loud beats and vocals are far from soothing – but it is hoped a night of rocking could provide a big boost for people with dementia jn Bolton.

The World Rocks Against Dementia Day Bolton will see bands – and even some of the town’s NHS staff – take to the stage to raise funds to help manage the condition.

The music evening on March 18 has been co-organised by Bolton NHS Foundation Trust dementia nurse specialist Chris Davison.

As well as helping to get the event off the ground, he will be performing on the night as part of newly formed group The Venerable Beat.

He said: “It is quite bold but it’s all for a good cause. Admittedly it is not the most dementia friendly event because we will be playing live music but we hope it will have a rolling effect and help make a difference.

"At the end of the day, dementia affects people from all walks of life and there will be patients out there who appreciate rock music. My co-organiser’s son is also playing in one of the bands so we are hoping lots of people turn out to support us. This is a joint venture with a lot of different organisations working together to improve dementia services in Bolton.”

The event at Our Lady Of Lourdes Social Club in Farnworth will raise funds for The Bolton News Donate £1 for Dementia Campaign – set up to fund dementia friendly facilities at the hospital – and the Bolton Dementia Support Group.

Organised by Mr Davison and Ann Collins, senior manager of older adult services at the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, the line-up includes a number of bands.

As well as Venerable Beat, there will be the Cadence Noir, Valyria, Faith in Glory and Peach Knees. Starting at 6pm on March 18, the event is part of the national World Rocks Against Dementia Day and a limited number of 80 tickets are available at £6 in advance. To donate to the Dementia Support Group visit www.justgiving.com/BDSG.

For the Donate £1 for Dementia, families, schools, businesses and groups across Bolton are being urged to donate at least £1. Go to www.boltonft.nhs.uk/get-involved/charitable-giving/ or send a cheque, made out to Bolton NHS Charitable Fund, to Charitable Funds Department, Dowling House, Royal Bolton Hospital, Minerva Road, Bolton, BL4 0JR.

Businesses, schools or groups who want the giant £1 to visit should email andy.lee@boltonft.nhs.uk. For tickets: www.bit.ly/wradbolton.