DEMENTIA sufferers can now preserve their life stories and personal messages of love in a beautifully bounded book thanks to the services of a new Stroud company.

Based in Ebley, Mewe helps clients create their very own Life Books, which family and friends can continue to cherish after their loved one’s mental health has deteriorated.

Using their own words and photos, each personalised book is split into chapters detailing what the client wishes to say, such as information about their family history, dreams and aspirations and personal messages to anyone they please.

The books can also be a useful tool to remind health workers and carers that their client, who may no longer be able to communicate verbally, still has likes, dislikes and phobias that must be respected.

"The idea of life books is to not let the passing of time or illness erase older peoples’ precious life history, which younger family members can learn from," said company director Richard Ernest, who runs Mewe from his home in Ebley with his partner Lucy Harvey.

"As well as giving carers a vital insight into their clients, the books can be very touching because they open up new relationships between couples.

"It also gives them a chance to reminisce about the old days, which they always love."

Private tutors can be booked to visit clients in the privacy of their own home to discuss book content or the company can send out a template of pages for the customer to fill in and return.

These are then compiled with photographs, printed and returned to the client in book form.

For more information contact Richard on 07743 058 244 or email richard@mewepress.co.uk