Maldon Town Council will apply for dementia-friendly accreditation from the Alzheimer's Society, to make the town centre more accessible, following a vote on Monday (July 31).

Mark Neville, Dementia Friendly Communities Coordinator for Essex, spoke to town councillors on behalf of the Alzheimer's Society.

He said: "This is probably the most important health issue facing this country at the moment.

"The one thing people frequently tell us after being diagnosed is they need a message of hope."

Dementia-friendly communities (DFCs) are inclusive and accessible spaces for those living with forms of dementia.

As part of a DFC, local amenities such as police stations, health centres, high streets, and public buildings will be made more accessible for those with dementia.

The Maldon District Dementia Action Alliance provides district-wide support for those affected by dementia in a personal or professional capacity. However, advocates want to create a DFC within the district itself, particularly in Maldon town centre.

While there is renewed hope in the form of two new drugs that promise to slow the progression of Alzheimer's, Mark says they will only help if those with the disease can be identified early enough.

Ease of access to a local GP is crucial, Mark says.

"Anybody who's tried to get hold of a GP on the phone at 8am – imagine how difficult that must be for those living with dementia," he said.

The Alzheimer's Society is said to be working with GPs to mitigate for those who struggle with the usual process of getting an appointment.

Furthermore, a third of people with dementia live on their own, so cannot rely on friends or family to take them to appointments. Therefore, public transport needs to be accessible for them.

Councillor Carlie Mayes recounted her personal experience of supporting a loved one with dementia.

"Living with dementia is a nightmare," she said.

"Getting in the car can take my father three hours – or two minutes on another day."

Cllr Mayes encouraged members to vote in favour of applying to become a DFC.

She said: "The town council needs to lead by example."

If accredited, Maldon Town Council would provide support to the DFC by lending the use of the town hall, making local tourism dementia-friendly, and supporting community ambassadors.

All members voted in favour of applying to become a DFC, except councillors Christopher Swain and Tom Kelly who abstained.

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