TODAY marks the start of Dementia Action Week, and in support of eradicating the stigma surrounding the illness, restaurants across the UK have welcomed people with the condition into their venues for a day as staff volunteers.

One such volunteer is 68-year-old John Kelly from Newton-Le-Willows who has been living with Vascular Dementia since 2009.

Great-granddad-of-two John volunteered his time in Pieminister in Liverpool on Saturday, May 18 as part of an innovative campaign Dining4Dementia.

The scheme saw 10 chains restaurants from across England and Wales inviting people with dementia to buddy up with restaurant staff and volunteer front-of-house over the weekend,

demonstrating that with the right support and some small adjustments, people with dementia can still contribute to the workplace and learn new skills, even in fast-paced environments.

John Kelly carried out tasks with Pieminister’s dementia buddy Samantha Wright including taking orders, serving customers, cleaning tables and general kitchen duties.

John said: “I'm a quite a jovial fella so it was great to have a laugh with everyone on the day.

"They had me working in the front of the shop, talking to customers and experiencing all different aspects of work in the place.

"The manager Samantha was wonderful and I can't give her enough praise for being so understanding.

"I wish there were more people like her in the world.

"When I was diagnosed I felt like a prisoner in my home because I didn't feel safe if I left.

"Without my wife Vivienne and the support from the Alzheimers Society's Letitia McKee I wouldn't be going out there trying to live life still.

"That's why I agreed to do this because it is so important to get rid of the stigma around dementia.

"You can't catch it, but you can ruin someone's day without a little compassion and understanding.

"I would recommend Dining4Dementia to anyone, dementia sufferer or business, I'm really glad I got involved.

"Thank you very much Pieminster."