Musician and singer Tony Christie was the special guest at a Living Well with Dementia Conference organised by Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, having been diagnosed with the condition himself last year.

Tony, whose hit “Is This the Way to Amarillo” enjoyed a second wave of popularity when comedian Peter Kay used it in his TV series and it was re-released for Comic Relief, attended with his wife Sue and son Sean.

The conference, organised by the Trust’s Older People’s Mental Health Team, covered a range of topics for staff who work with patients living with dementia. Speakers from the Black Country and Birmingham talked about Medication and its role in living well with dementia, The Teepa Snow Project and the work of the Older Adults Therapeutic Service (OATS) as well as detailing the Dementia Strategy work that has been done through the ICB and Walsall Together.

Videos of Tony Christie’s work to raise the profile of dementia and interviews with him and Sue about how to live well with the diagnosis were also played at last week’s session, which was supported by Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity.

Tony’s main message has always been: “Don’t be ashamed to say you have dementia. It doesn’t have to define you. You are still you but things work a little differently.”

The 81-year-old, who lives in Staffordshire, has also spoken about the importance of music if people have that background, and continuing people’s interests. He has written a song “We Still Shine” which poignantly details the thoughts and feelings of someone with a dementia diagnosis. And he has continued to tour and perform.

His wife Sue added: “Today has been really informative for us. I’m so glad we came as we have learnt a lot.”

Jodie Kirby-Owens, Head of Nursing Mental Health at Walsall Healthcare and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said: “We had a fantastic day of learning and also reflection. All of our speakers gave us food for thought with their insights.

“We also did some project work under the banner of This Is Me which reminded all of us who support patients and families living with dementia of the importance – as Tony has identified – of remembering people are so much more than their diagnosis.

“I’d also like to thank the Older People’s Mental Health Team for all their enthusiasm and dedication in orgarust to ensure both Trusts are sharing best practice and learning.”