An East Lancashire organisation that provides essential care and respite to families living with dementia is marking its 10th anniversary next week.

Social enterprise The Filo Project will bring up 10 years of service on Monday, August 12, over which time is has supported more than 3,000 people with dementia day-care services.

The Filo Project, which has locations in Darwen, Accrington and across the Rossendale valley, has won numerous awards over the years for its unique offering, in which its staff welcome into their homes for the day small groups of older people with early to moderate dementia.

Hosts collect clients and bring them into their homes for a day of joy and a home-cooked lunch, with activities adapted to suit the group's interests and abilities, such as baking, jigsaws, singing and crafting.

The end result is dementia care that feels like a day spent relaxing and having fun with friends, which helps sufferers grow in confidence, make friends, and stabilise or even improve dementia symptoms.

It also allows a person's family, who carry the majority of caring responsibilities, some respite and a break from the challenges it brings.

Dr Liz Dennis, co-director of The Filo Project, said: “Over the last 10 years we’ve seen and shown day in, day out how life with dementia can still be a life well-lived.

"Dementia takes so much from families and is incredibly challenging, but people can still flourish and experience joy and humour if we treat them as the valued person they still are – that’s the whole ethos The Filo Project is built on.

“We’re expanding to meet demand across the country and are excited for what the future holds.”

After starting out in Devon, the Filo Project has expanded across the South West and in East Lancashire and is available to all, and has plans to grow into more areas.

Jenny Edwards, whose husband David attends The Filo Project, said: “The Filo Project offers us both a really positive few hours every week.

"For myself, it gives me the opportunity to be free of the responsibilities of caring and allows me to go out, shop, meet friends, anything I want to do for myself.

"For David, it gives him a chance to go out, socialise, and meet other people. It’s a great service!”

Justin Vernon, a host at The Filo Project, added: "It has been lovely to meet so many wonderful, interesting and fascinating people since I joined The Filo Project.

"Every Filo Day is slightly different, something the smaller and regular groups really help to facilitate.

"To see our clients interacting, chatting and being happy makes the days fly by.

"It has also added something special to our family home and developed our awareness of just how unique and special we all are.”

To find out more about The Filo Project or if you are interested in becoming a host visit the organisation's website or call 0333 939 8225.