Stockport Council is encouraging businesses across the borough to take part in the national ‘Dementia – Be a Friend’ campaign.
The campaign, launched by Public Health England and the Alzehimer’s Society and supported by the Council and partners, aims to help people develop an understanding of dementia and turn it into action to help people in their community living with dementia.
Many people with dementia say that shopping and visiting their local high street can be very stressful. A recent study by Alzheimer’s Society found that one in four people with dementia have given up shopping since being diagnosed, even though the majority feel this is the most common activity that enables them to feel part of their community.
Employees are being asked to become a friend, by watching a short video on ‘Understanding Dementia’ at www.dementiafriends.org.uk/customers, followed by videos most relevant to their day-to-day job.
Councillor John Pantall, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Health and Well Being, said:
“A key element of this campaign is to ensure we treat people with dementia as individuals. To help us to do this I would encourage all employees to consider becoming a dementia friend. Very simple things such as being more patient with a customer paying at a till or communicating clearly over the telephone can make a real difference for people with dementia. These interactions employees have with people with dementia can really help them stay connected to their community.”
“We are delighted to already be part of the Dementia Friendly Communities initiative in Marple and have seen first-hand the benefits to businesses of increasing their understanding of dementia through training. We would encourage all businesses and their employees to sign up and become a Dementia Friend,” said Sarah Laker, Chairman of Marple Business Forum.
As part of the national campaign, high street stores such as Argos, Homebase, Marks and Spencer, Lloyds Pharmacy and the Lloyds Banking Group have already given their commitment to become more dementia friendly.
For more information about Dementia Care in Stockport visit www.stockport.gov.uk/dementia.