The dementia respite and activities facility, run by Ballarat Health Services, has been tucked unassumingly away on Ligar Street for almost 30 years.

Plans are underway to help lift the profile of Eyres House and make it more accessible to people with early onset dementia, their families and carers. This comes amid proactive work by young advocates Nick Locandro, Meg Curnow with her mum Wilma and Brittany Rose who have shared their stories in community awareness drives.

Ms Muller said a key part of this was letting people know what Eyres House could offer and rebuilding on this. Together they hope to break down the stigma on dementia and the old stereotype it was a disease of the elderly - including when it comes to support programs.

Why Wilma Curnow wants to speak openly about younger onset dementia. Click on the image below

"It's about getting the right information to let people understand people with dementia do need support but can still have a good time," Ms Muller said.

Eyres House was invaluable for Mr Locandro, his family and dad Sam, who was diagnosed with dementia in his mid-50s. It was a place that helped provide great memories and community support for his family.

"People think coming to a facility they'll be cut off but instead it's creating events and day trips," Mr Locandro said.

"It's creating an environment for people with dementia to still have that level of independence they may not have outside."

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Ms Muller hopes to strengthen the focus on carers, even in reassurance to take some time for their own needs.

"It's always hardest the first time someone has a loved one here for a day but we always say, when you're not at your best you can't do your job in caring properly - it becomes survival," Ms Muller said. "Carers need to look after themselves."

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