A homeless charity in Cricklewood has officially launched its “ground-breaking project” run by and for people with dementia.

The Dementia Peer Support Project was launched at a crowded event at the Brent Civic Centre last week which was attended by Cllr Ahmed Parvez, mayor of Brent.

The initiative which is funded by Brent CCG in partnership with homeless charity Ashford Place and Community Action on Dementia Brent (CAD), gives people living with the condition the opportunity to take control of their lives and help others in the same situation.

Danny Mayer, ceo of Ashford Place, said: “The launch was great, in particular as it was opened by people living with dementia, further evidence that the condition doesn’t mean that it is the end of life as we know it and that people can take the lead on designing and delivering support structures that mean they can continue to have valued lives.”

He added: “We believe that this concept is one for the future. People with a condition are experts by experience and it makes sense that they are supported to use that expertise in developing positive pathways to health and wellbeing rather than they being seen as victims or just giving up because of a diagnosis.

With the right level of support from statutory agencies coupled with people being supported to find ways of living better then the future will look better for all of us.”