Balloons were released at Whitehaven harbourside to mark Dementia Awareness Week.

It is part of a range of activities taking place across West Cumbria.

Balloons were released by nurses, carers and residents at Haven Care Centre in Whitehaven.

Lucy Mitchell, senior nurse at Copeland’s memory and later life team, said: “This balloon release raises awareness of dementia and highlights that people can live well with dementia. People can go to their GP and see the appropriate services.”

The balloons were donated by From The Heart shop in Maryport.

A coffee morning was held at Age UK West Cumbria’s office at Old Customs House, Whitehaven.

Kizzy Pyne, from the Alzheimer's Society, spoke to members at the drop-in session.

She said: “Dementia is everyone’s business, particularly when we are talking to people in these groups that may have peers that are living with dementia. The world should become a dementia friendly place.”

The session gave people a chance to share concerns, anecdotes and their views.

Lucy Bailey, of Age UK West Cumbria, said: “Having a dementia friendly community will enable people living with dementia to live full lives.”

Staff at a Workington opticians have also received training to help them better support people living with dementia.

Specsavers, on Murray Road, completed training as part of a national scheme run by the Alzheimer’s Society.

The staff have been recognised as a Dementia Friends and wear badges on their uniforms to indicate their increased level of awareness to customers.

David Nicolson, store director, said: “Being more aware of dementia is an incredibly positive development for our team and our offering to customers. “I always thought dementia was all to do with someone’s memory but it is much more than that.

“By uncovering the truth about dementia it really opened my eyes to how at Specsavers, when performing our daily duties, we can all take a little time to support and care.”

The shop is urging anyone over the age of 55 to undergo regular free hearing tests as research suggests that people with untreated hearing loss are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer's Society West Cumbria was set to hold an open day at their offices in Workington.