THURROCK-based Charity Get Started Art has been formally recognised as an Inclusive Dementia Community (IDC), joining a growing network of organisations, including major commercial businesses, working to improve support for people living with dementia across Essex.

The accreditation was presented in Colchester last week during a meeting with the Alzheimer's Society Essex and Essex County Council, where Get Started Art's directors also met Maria, a dementia voice participant whose creativity and lived experience have shaped parts of Essex's IDC work.

Inspired by Maria's contribution, Get Started Art has produced a dementia-friendly colouring book and will distribute 10,000 copies to dementia groups, day centres, care homes and community hubs across the county.

As an accredited organisation, Get Started Art stands alongside high-profile recipients such as London Stansted Airport, recognised as an Inclusive Dementia Community Business 2024 to 2026 for improving accessibility and confidence for passengers living with dementia.

This expanding network reflects the IDC programme's wider ambition to help communities, services and businesses become places where people affected by dementia feel included, understood and supported. The framework highlights the importance of raising awareness, reducing isolation and improving access to practical help and information for families.

A key feature of the Essex IDC model is its involvement of people living with dementia. A county panel, supported by community coordinators and the Essex Integrated Dementia Team, reviews action plans and progress to ensure organisations demonstrate ongoing commitment rather than one-off achievements.

"We are incredibly proud to receive this accreditation," said David Barton, Founder of Get Started Art. "It reflects our mission to help people feel connected, supported and valued. Being recognised alongside major organisations such as London Stansted Airport shows the importance of community support in dementia inclusion. Distributing 10,000 colouring books is the next step in our commitment to groups across Essex."

Through this accreditation and countywide distribution pledge, Get Started Art strengthens its contribution to the Essex vision, enabling people affected by dementia to remain active, connected and able to live well within their local communities.