Merseyside law firm Kirwans is equipping its staff to provide specialist support to clients living with dementia and autism as part of a new training scheme.

The firm, which is a member of Solicitors for the Elderly, is embarking on a new training scheme to ensure the service they can provide reaches the potentially vulnerable.

Kirwans believes that forming a professional basis of knowledge about dementia is essential as the amount of sufferers in Britain continues to grow.

According to new statistics from The Alzheimer’s Research UK charity, one in three people born in 2015 will be diagnosed with dementia and there is a “looming national health crisis” as the population gets older.

There are more than 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today.

Practice director, Sarah Birchall, said:

“Dementia is becoming increasingly prevalent.

“In our line of work we frequently represent clients suffering from this disease and also their families.

“We want to enhance our team’s knowledge and understanding of dementia to ensure that we provide expert support and advice to clients and their families.”

The training will be provided by Home Instead Wirral, which works to support and reduce the pressure on individuals with dementia and family care providers.

In addition, staff are also undertaking training, provided by Time Specialist Support that will assist them in their engagement of clients with autism and their families.

Legal clerk Annie Thomas, who took part in the autism training programme, said:

“I was aware of autism but I did not fully understand what it was.

“After taking part in the training session I now understand the condition more and know that it covers a huge spectrum of symptoms, abilities and levels of impairment which can lead to children and adults being vulnerable in society.”

Kirwans have undertaken the training to ensure clients who suffer from dementia or autism are fully supported and guided appropriately with their legal needs.

The firm advise on wills, lasting powers of attorney, managing trusts and inherited funds to keep the interests of their clients with dementia or autism protected.