A shopping centre used old photos to bring back memories as part of activities to raise awareness of dementia.

To coincide with Dementia Action Week, intu Watford hosted a number of activities to support The Alzheimer’s Society.

There were daily memory cafes during Dementia Action Week from May 21 to 27 on the lower mall between M&S and Next, with memorabilia from old retailers, sports, hobbies, childhood, armed forces, motoring and local history supported by Watford Football Club and Watford Museum.

Abbeyfield Society used a projector to show historic photographs every day, with interactive therapy exercises to spark old memories. There was also a photo exhibition in the gallery space, displaying old pictures of High Street, Watford and the surrounding areas.

Herts Musical Memories performed in John Lewis on Wednesday May 23, delivering vibrant singing sessions that were both fun and therapeutic for people with dementia and their carers.

Leigh Brooks, marketing manager at intu Watford, said: “We are delighted to be working with The Alzheimer’s Society as part of Dementia Action Week. It’s really important to support those with dementia and their families, and we are always looking for ways to help support local communities.

“Our staff have become part of Dementia Friends, and we will be encouraging our shoppers to do the same. This will increase their understanding of what living with dementia looks like and learn how to help others around them.”

To find out more information on how to become a Dementia Friend, visit www.dementiafriends.org.uk

For more information on Dementia Action Week, visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/DementiaActionWeek