RESIDENTS living with dementia will see a new support group run activities to help them tackle loneliness — all thanks to pasties.

The newly-established Blackrod Dementia Activity Support Group, set up by the town's sports and community centre, is now running sessions from the end of July. The community centre recently secured £2,000 in funding from the Greggs Foundation to start the support group.

For the first time, local residents with dementia and their carers will be invited to a new scheme to benefit those at risk of loneliness and isolation in Blackrod. Organisers are hoping to relieve the needs of people living with dementia and their carers, aiming to promote and protect their health. Activities will include reminiscence boxes, games, music, entertainment and gentle exercise.

The Blackrod Sports and Community Centre manager, David Holden-Locke, said: "The project will support local people living with dementia to remain in the community for as long as possible and ensure they have a happy, productive and fulfilling life within the community.

"We will be running enjoyable activities free of charge to relax and improve health and wellbeing within the Centre and we hope to see as many people here as possible.”

Sue Donnelly from the Greggs Foundation said: "We hope that this funding will help relieve some of the pressures on people living with dementia and their families in Blackrod and we are delighted to support it.”

The group will host session on Sundays from 2pm to 4pm from July 28 at the centre.