A new initiative aimed at improving the lives of people living with dementia was officially launched in Falmouth last week.

The Falmouth Dementia Action Alliance (FDAA) has been gathering momentum over the past couple of months, attracting the support of more than 200 local businesses and organisations, but has only now been formally launched.

A day or workshops, talks and activities was held at the Maritime Museum in Falmouth, kick-started by a speech by MP Sarah Newton.

She said: “It is a terrific honour to be able to join you today to celebrate what is the culmination of the most immense amount of work.

“None of us would be in this room today if it was not for these two quite remarkable people (coordinators Bob and Toops Bridges). It is a very important, personal commitment and passion for both of them.”

Mrs Newton also read out a message from Prime Minister, David Cameron who said: ‘’I am sorry that I cannot join you in person today in Falmouth. Sarah has told me of the excellent work that is being done in Falmouth to raise awareness and support people living and visiting Falmouth with dementia.

“I am delighted that you are supporting my Dementia Challenge and working with local stakeholders to make Falmouth a dementia friendly town. This will no doubt make a really positive difference to many families. Congratulations on your ground breaking work and I wish you a very enjoyable celebration of your work together so far. I wish you well on your journey.’’ The FDAA was created following the establishment of a similar organisation in Plymouth two years ago. Mr and Mrs Toops have been instrumental in the Falmouth initiative, along with the Alzheimer’s Society, the Rotary Club of Falmouth and the town’s Memory Cafe.

The idea is to raise awareness of dementia and for local businesses and organisations to help make sufferers’ lives easier when they visit their establishments. So far more than 200 have signed up to be part of the FDAA.

Ian Sherriff, of the Alzheimer’s Society, who also advises the Prime Minister on dementia, said at the launch: “I am really delighted to be here in Falmouth to be part of this launch and I commend Bob and Toops for all their hard work and energy they have put in to getting this off the stocks.”

For more information on FDAA email Bob or Toops Bridges at mylorbridges@gmail.com.