IN support of its bid to become a dementia friendly town, Borough of Poole is calling on local businesses to take advantage of its free awareness sessions.

The council is working in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society to help make people more aware of the challenges faced by people with dementia.

There are currently more than 685,000 people in England living with the condition that causes memory loss and difficulty with everyday tasks, which is expected to rise to more than two million by 2051.

Staff from several businesses in Poole have taken part in the free sessions, with organisations including Barclays, Coles Miller, Specsavers and The Body Shop learning more about dementia and how best to help customers.

An estimated 22 million people in the UK have a family member or friend with dementia and figures suggest that 49 per cent of the public are more likely to support a company if they know it helps people with dementia.

Borough of Poole is calling on retailers and businesses in the town to take part in sessions which last an hour.

“The Dementia Friends awareness sessions offer retailers and other business in Poole the chance to improve their customer service whilst also learning more about how to make this growing part of our community feel secure when out and about,” said Cllr Chris Wilson, Borough of Poole’s Dementia Champion.

“We have had a great response from many high street shops and businesses whose staff have already benefited from the sessions, and we’d encourage others to consider taking up the opportunity.”

Ian Campbell from Coles Miller said: “For us as a business it just made sense. Two-thirds of people with dementia live in the community, and they, their family and carers are our existing or potential customers.

“It’s made us more confident in dealing with issues that could arise, and we are providing better customer service as a result.”

Businesses signed up to an action plan can display the nationally recognised forget-me-not symbol and anyone wanting more information can contact Jan Evans on 07824 137781 or jan.evans@pwbcollaborative.org.uk

Businesses signed up

BUSINESSES that have received Dementia Friends training so far are:

  • The Body Shop, The Dolphin Centre 
  • Cycle Paths, The Dolphin Centre
  • Cranberries Café, The Quay
  • The Sweetie Boutique, Poole Old Town 
  • Burgundy Hair & Beauty, Poole High Street
  •  The Fisherman’s Café, Poole High Street 
  • Specsavers, The Dolphin Centre
  • Coles Miller Solicitors, Parkstone Road
  • Barclays, Poole High Street.