People caring for a relative with dementia at home can find out more about coping with the illness on a free training course starting next month.

Six weekly sessions will include a look at different types of dementia and how they affect people, how to deal with everyday situations that might arise, and practical advice on the legal and financial aspects of caring.

The course is being run by independent Wiltshire charity Alzheimer’s Support and funded by Wiltshire Council.

Anna Littlechild, Alzheimer’s Support’s principal manager, said: “Carers will learn more about the illness and hopefully feel much better equipped to deal with its effects.

“A diagnosis of dementia is a very difficult thing to come to terms with for both the person affected and their families.

“However, there are coping strategies and things that people can do to make living with memory loss more bearable for the person with dementia and their families.

“We have run these courses in the past and one of the best things is that people meet and make friends with others who are going through similar experiences.”

The course will be held at Fullingbridge Farm, off the A350 between Westbury and Trow-bridge. For full details, contact Stephany Bardzil on 01225 776481.