Manchester becomes first place in the UK to run LGBT dementia support groups

Manchester has become the first place in the UK to offer free dementia support, specifically for the LGBT community.

The LGBT Dementia Network launched ahead of the first ever Dementia Action Week.

It was spearheaded by a local man, Patrick Ettenes, who was diagnosed with early onset dementia two years ago.

He told Key 103 he was afraid of getting help, for fear he would be judged for his sexuality:

"It wasn't the condition the was causing these issues, it was turning up at these meetings and seeing people with their family taking care of them, and I didn't have any family. A lot of our community don't access social services, it's a simple fact that 50 years ago it was illegal to be gay so a lot of these issues for LGBT members would be the reason they don't access the services.

"When it comes to trans people, for instance, they go through a lot, we've had cases where people have been in dementia care homes and forget they've transitioned. It's stories like this, scare stories, that mean people don't access the help.

"There's services there, they're doing amazing work, but I needed to know that there was something there for me and for people like me, that understands my needs and the needs of my community."

The group launched on May 15th, with the first event taking place at the LGBT Foundation on Richmond Street.

Already, they have had interested from across the city, and beyond, with people getting in touch from parts of the USA.

Patrick said:

"I want the country to realise that heterosexual norms have so much that we're envious of. Having family members to take care of them or children, is amazing, but unfortunately we don't have that. I'm hoping our community can take care of each other.

"There's a group of the community that is being left out and they're not being looked after. The services are there but they're just too frightened and in fear of ridicule if there's not someone who understands them there. I'm hoping this will be a turning point."

To find out more about the Network, head to: https://twitter.com/LGBTDementia