A SELF-funded volunteer support group for carers of people who live with dementia is inviting more residents to get involved.

Leigh Dementia Carers Support Group (LDCSG) hold monthly meetings at the Wigan and Leigh Pensioners Link building on Charles Street.

The next meeting is on Friday, June 1, at 2pm.

LDCSG secretary Rodney Gregory, 75, said: “People open their hearts to us about the problems they face and we help them get recharged for the next month ahead.

“If you have coped with someone with dementia you realise it is an arduous task.

“My wife Betty died last year after suffering with dementia for eight years so I understand what it is like.

“When you are at home as a carer it can feel like you are fighting the world on your own.

“In the sessions that we have it is nice to sit and talk with people who have similar problems.

“Some are further down the path and it can give you an idea of what is to come.

“Unfortunately it does not get better, it gets worse.

“We do not give professional advice but we offer people a place where they are able to talk about whatever they like.

“A lot of people have said they were not able to cope on their own without the meetings.”

The group, which was set up in 2012, is run by Rodney and chairman Alwyn Longworth.

It covers Leigh, Lowton, Atherton and Tyldesley and an average of 12 people go to the monthly meetings.

Dementia Action Week starts on Monday and Rodney is urging more people to attend the sessions.

He added: “We have had 21 active members in the last two years and helped 60 people overall.

“We cover a large area and it would be great to help more people as there must be a lot more in the same situation as us.

“The meetings give carers the chance to get away from their home for a couple of hours and provides them with the assurance that they are not alone.”

Membership for LDCSG is open to carers over the age of 18.

Former carers that have an interest in working with the group are also invited to get in touch.

For more information visit leighdcsg.co.uk or contact Rodney on 01942 678943.