THE author of a children’s book which explores the issues of dementia will meet with school children for an awareness-raising event.

Jessica Shepherd will be reading from her book, Grandma, to classes from Breckon Hill School at Middlesbrough Central Library tomorrow (Wednesday, May 21).

Afterwards she will conduct sessions in which the children will be doing memory-themed activities.

“There are currently around 800,000 people living with dementia in the UK, with figures set to rise to over a million by 2021,” she said.

“My hope is that Grandma will provide an invaluable resource for children and adults alike, enabling them to understand and cope with the special demands that this will make of them.”

Middlesbrough Libraries are working in partnership with the Alzheimer's Society, Darlington & Tees Valley Locality, to promote Dementia Awareness Week from May 19-25.

Following the event, the Alzheimer’s Society, together with the author, will be forming a group of volunteers to tour schools with the book.

Grandma is a picture book narrated by a boy called Oscar, who learns to adjust to his grandmother moving into a care home after she begins to develop dementia.

The final pages include child-friendly information about dementia intended to promote discussion, and answers any questions that the reader may have.

The Central Library will also be hosting taster “Dementia Cafe” sessions from 10amto noon and from 2pmto 4pm tomorrow (May 21).

Dementia Cafes are informal gatherings where people can come together and share their experiences of the condition in a supportive setting.

For more information on the Dementia Café sessions contact Shamaza Ali on 01642-442033 or Diane Fleet on 01642-729417.