SCHOOL pupils in Chard have been learning about dementia thanks to a special drama production.

Year 10 drama students at Holyrood Academy have delivered a stage production of Archie’s Story as part of the mock for their GCSE.

The seven students, enthusiastically led by their teacher Jenny Lowe, worked hard putting in time outside of school to ensure they were ready to deliver the drama to primary schools in the Chard area.

Archie’s Story was created to dispel the stigma often associated with dementia.

The book explains simply, without being patronising, that there are many types of dementia.

It illustrates the main signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s – the most common type – the fact there is no cure, the things people should say and do to prevent a person with dementia from feeling ignored, invisible and unloved – and to ensure they feel a meaningful part of their community.

The students delivered three performances – one at Holyrood for Ashill and Hambridge, one at Redstart and one at Manor Court – and all performances were extremely well-received.

One man, who found out about the performance from Chard Memory Café, said: “I did not know what to expect.

What I saw was a delightful group of youngsters performing the play. I thought it was a highly professional performance.”

Fiona Mahoney from Reminiscence Learning, which runs the project, said: “Teachers at the schools remarked that the performance had reignited enthusiasm for the project with the children and reminded them about Archie and how he should be treated within the community.

“Thanks to Jenny Lowe and the students for all their hard work in bringing Archie’s Story to life for the children within Chard.”