PATIENTS suffering from dementia could be offered more help after St John Ambulance was awarded �10,000 to further develop its work for those with the condition. The first aid charity, which has a role in promoting the interests of older people in the com

PATIENTS suffering from dementia could be offered more help after St John Ambulance was awarded �10,000 to further develop its work for those with the condition.

The first aid charity, which has a role in promoting the interests of older people in the community, was handed the money from the Big Lottery Fund.

It will help St John Ambulance produce a number of 'Memory Boxes' and 'Life Story Books' which play a key part in reminiscing activities for patients.

Ken Griffiths, manager of St John's voluntary services in the south west, said the award of money was a 'godsend' because it was a voluntary organisation.

He said: "As St John is a voluntary organisation using unpaid volunteers, we do not receive any direct government or NHS funding for our many activities.

"This money will be used directly to help dementia patients in care and nursing homes."

St John Ambulance trains more than 250,000 people in first aid every year and treats 200,000 casualties.