As the Dementia and carer support coordinator for Inverell Home Support, she's helped organise the fourth event for awareness the Sapphire City has had.

This year, she and a small but mighty group walked from the Inverell foot bride to the Tingha bridge, all for the National Dementia Action Week.

"We haven't had an event for a couple of years, so we picked a good year to start up again!" Ms Jeffrey laughed.

"Previously we've had forums, but we thought this year it'd be better outdoors."

And after jumping through the required hoops for a COVID-safe event, it was all worth it.

READ ALSO

She hopes to enlighten Inverell to the fact that people living with Dementia can lead fulfilling and rewarding lives with support.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard for IHS, however their support groups have started up again this week.

"So the walk is something like a celebration to have everything getting back to normal," Ms Jeffrey explained.

They were providing care to individuals over the course of the second lockdown, however the isolation and loneliness without other social activities had begun to take their toll.

"I think people tend to shy away from someone once they're diagnosed with Dementia because they don't understand it," Ms Jeffrey

CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE EMAILS FEATURING THE BEST LOCAL NEWS AND STORIES, AS WELL AS OUR BREAKING NEWS ALERTS

"Family notice that invitations drop off, people visit less regularly - it's heartbreaking.

"But they're still the same person, you just have to be patient and understanding with them. Support for them and their carers can make a really big difference."

For more information on what support is available locally, visit inverellhsp.com.au.

Visit the Dementia Australia website for free education resources and support.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: