A new dementia support group has been founded to help those who will be effected by proposed care centre closures.

The Haringey Dementia Action Alliance will bring likeminded organisations and institutions together, although it will be chaired by Alwyn Lewis, CEO of Hornsey Housing Trust, rather than by one of the council's care bosses.

Mr Lewis said he was proud to work with the likes of the Alzheimer’s Society, and that the Alliance would found events such as a dementia café for friends and family of those with the illness.

The Alliance was formed at an event held at Tottenham Hotspur’s conference centre on Wednesday, 18 November. The day was opened by the Mayor of Haringey, Cllr Jennifer Mann, and included workshops and sessions designed to teach people more about dementia and the ways to support those affected.

It comes just a week after the council’s cabinet voted to close a range of care centres in the face of budget cuts.

These include The Grange day centre, which provides dedicated care for dementia sufferers.

The closures will be voted on by the full council on Monday, 23 November.

The scheme has received celebrity support. Haringey-based, actress, writer and comedian Meera Syal endorsed the event.

She said: “The care and support for people affected by dementia is an issue close to my heart as the illness affects a very special person in my life.

“Living in Haringey, it’d mean a lot to me to see my borough become dementia-friendly where residents, businesses and services understand more about the illness.

“By working together we can ensure people living with dementia feel included in the Haringey community and are able to access activities and services with confidence.”

Douglas Russell, Alzheimer’s Society operations manager for North West London, also backed the plans. He said that they will help the 1,633 people in Haringey who have dementia.

He said: “This event aims to result in borough-wide actions to provide the right support to help them live well with the condition”.

“All people with dementia and carers should have equal access to services based around their needs, simple to navigate, and always available.”

Cllr Peter Morton, Haringey Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “The Haringey Dementia Action Alliance will improve the lives of people living with dementia in Haringey and the lives of their carers.

“By working closely with partners across the borough the Alliance will ensure that care and support available in Haringey is properly coordinated and that those affected by the condition are able to live well and retain as much independence as possible.”