The Alzheimer's Society is urging people in Runcorn and Widnes to seek help.

The charity wants to reach those worried about their memory, awaiting diagnosis, or diagnosed individuals and carers needing ongoing support.

A recent survey by the charity found that 88 per cent of people affected by dementia have not sought help from a dementia charity.

Hayley Winstanley, the Alzheimer's Society's local services manager, said that an estimated 106,000 people in the North West live with the condition, with one in three lacking formal diagnosis.

Ms Winstanley said: "That indicates that there are a lot of worried, anxious people in our community who aren’t aware that they can turn to Alzheimer’s Society for support.

"We know that there are likely to be a lot of people in the Runcorn and Widnes area who are in the early stages of seeking a diagnosis or who are finding that journey slow and difficult.

"Our Halton dementia advisers can be an invaluable support for anyone going through that difficult process.

"And if someone has just received a diagnosis they may be wondering ‘what next?’ - which again, is where our support can be really helpful."

The Alzheimer's Society offers support and advice to anyone affected by dementia through its support line, online and print information, expert dementia advisers, and online community.

Of those who used the charity's services, 94 per cent said they received useful information, 95 per cent said their dementia adviser understood their needs, and 83 per cent felt more capable of managing and less isolated.

Janet Burgess, a resident who cares for her husband Alfred, said: "We first got in touch with Alzheimer's Society at the beginning of the year as we wanted support and to be able to talk to someone who was going through the same thing as us.

"We now attend two groups where there are people for us to talk to and help us through the different stages.

"I have the chance to talk to people while Alfred mixes with other people and gets to take part in all sorts of activities.

"The support has been really helpful for us.

"It’s better to be informed and involved than sitting at home dwelling on it, wondering what’s going to happen.

"This way we get advice and support and it’s been really good for us."

For more information, contact halton@alzheimers.org.uk or 0151 420 8010.