The chief executive of the Wellington-based Reminiscence Learning charity has been thanked for work the group is doing to support people with dementia.

Reminiscence Learning is working towards making the town a dementia inclusive community – where people living with dementia are supported by the local community.

The charity has received financial support from Wellington Town Council for a number of years as it recognises its importance in the area.

And Fiona Mahoney, the charity’s chief executive, told members of the council’s policy and finance committee on July 13 that every penny received made a difference.

Fiona, who submitted a report on the latest news from the charity, said that the ongoing support of the town council was very much appreciated.

“Every penny is used and I’d like to thank the council for all its financial support – whether it be £100 or £10,000,” she said.

Figures show that within the Taunton and Wellington constituency of 112,724 people, it has been estimated that 1,734 have dementia. That is 1.61 per cent of the population – higher than the national average and 74th highest of 650 constituencies.

And Fiona said: “Wellington has a population of 16,678 and if the town is typical of the constituency, it suggests 267 people have dementia.”

Cllr Keith Wheatley said: “I’d like to congratulate Fiona on what she does for the town. There are so many people in the town affected by dementia and it is clear that Reminiscence Learning is doing so much for them and their carers.”

Cllr Janet Lloyd added: “It is an excellent report from Reminiscence Learning and we have known Fiona for a long time.”

Fiona said that an upcoming project would be to install signs around the town to give people information about dementia.

“We want these signs to go everywhere, but without looking like wallpaper,” she said.