A WOMAN who founded a dementia support group is hoping third time is the charm as she is put forward for a Proud of Barnsley award.

Julie Brown, 57, has been nominated for Proud of Barnsley volunteer of the year the past three years and is hoping 2018 will be her lucky year.

Julie founded Butterflies Dementia Support and Activities Group three years ago after she gave up her job in a school to care for her father who has dementia.

Julie said: “My dad is now in full- time care and is getting used to that but he still enjoys coming to group.

“The group has progressed a lot since it started, and now, along with people with dementia, we now support the elderly who are socially isolated or have special needs.

“All of the groups are now almost at capacity. We meet several times every week for a range of activities and support.”

The group will be visiting Norfolk in two weeks as part of a coach trip that Julie has organised.

This has now reached capacity with 41 members expected to attend.

Julie is also hoping that she will be successful in a lottery grant bid to ensure the group stays open.

She said “The lottery grant would be a big help as it would mean the group could stay funded for the next few years.

“We are seeing a lot of referrals from charities and GPs and it’s important that groups like this continue to exist as they make a real difference to the elderly.

“I’ve seen people in the group change from being someone who is socially isolated or consumed with the fact they have dementia into a normal person who is just socialising with friends.”

Julie said she is humbled that she has once again been nominated and hopes that she can add this award to her Duke of York award and Efficiency North award that she won earlier this year.