Liverpool businesses to become more dementia-friendly
This month, Liverpool will be hosting one of the first events in the country to encourage shops and services in the city centre to become more ‘dementia-friendly’.
With the support of local businesses, Liverpool Dementia Action Alliance and the Alzheimer’s Societyhas organised a day of talks, films, displays and workshops for managers and staff of shops and services at Liverpool Town Hall.
The event will take place on Thursday, May 21st, during Dementia Awareness Week which runs from May 18–24.
Gina Shaw, a Liverpool resident who has dementia and who features in the Alzheimer’s Society ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ TV advert, said:
“People living with dementia want to visit and use shops and services, but often encounter problems, either because of how the premises are laid out or because staff don’t understand what dementia is or how it can affect people.”
Ruth Eley, chair of the Dementia Action Alliance, added:
“Many people with dementia, their carers and families choose not to use particular shops or services because of the difficulties they have. With better understanding and awareness all businesses can become dementia-friendly and attract more customers.
“This day will help businesses improve their service for customers with dementia; making small changes can make a wealth of difference.”
Sessions will cover environment and premises, customer service as well as the national Dementia Friends initiative.
Prior to the main event, there will be a breakfast briefing for senior managers which will provide an appreciation of the business case for becoming dementia-friendly and will outline the resources and assistance available to help businesses succeed.
The opening address will be given by Cllr Gary Millar and there will be a screening of a specially commissioned short film, ‘Improving The Dementia Customer Experience: Small Change – Wealth of Difference’, featuring local people describing how dementia affects their choices as customers.
The event is free and supported by Liverpool council, Liverpool BID Company, Liverpool One, Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce, Merseycare and Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group.
Managers and staff of all city centre businesses serving the public are invited.
Book via www.dementiaaction.org.uk/events or 0151-298 2444.