DEMENTIA charity Reminiscence Learning, based at Tonedale in Wellington, is set to welcome a royal visitor later this month.

The Countess of Wessex will formally open its new respite activity sessions and unveil a plaque when she visits on Tuesday, September 24.

She will also have the opportunity to meet primary school children who have been taking part in the inter-generational dementia awareness Archie Project, being launched with five schools in the Wellington area this month.

The Archie Project links primary school children with a care setting to raise awareness and understanding – and ultimately reduce the fear and stigma often still associated with dementia. Reminiscence Learning’s new respite sessions have been running since April 1 following funding from Somerset County Council.

Reminiscence Learning has been providing inclusive community-focused sessions for people with dementia and their primary carers since it registered as a charity in 2003. In this time it has noticed an increased need for developing support for carers.

The service is already proving beneficial for carers and those they are caring for, improving physical, emotional and mental health, and well-being, for all parties, and reducing loneliness and isolation.

The respite activity sessions run from 10am-4pm on Mondays and Fridays with the opportunity to stay for all or part of the day. A new kitchen allows the provision of healthy and nutritious snacks and lunches.

The royal visit will give the team at Reminiscence Learning a chance to celebrate the charity’s success. It will help raise awareness and highlight the service it provides to support family carers and those living with dementia.