Yesterday, I joined a peer support group for carers who are looking after loved ones with dementia. Caring for someone with dementia can be especially difficult. Support groups like this one are crucial for giving carers the support they need. We discussed the challenges that families who provide care are facing, and the importance of putting people first in dementia care.

This week is also Dementia Action Week. This is a national event that aims to improve the lives of people affected by dementia. Nearly 1 million people in the UK with dementia, and their families, are struggling to get the support they need. If we are to help people and families who need support, we need to transform our social care system. It is not enough to simply ‘fix the crisis’.

Labour’s priority is to empower older and disabled people, including those with dementia, to live the life they choose. We will work with social care users and their families to achieve this, and make Britain the best country to grow old in. Thank you to the Alzheimer’s Society for organising this event – find out more about Dementia Action Week on their website.