MORE shops and businesses across the town centre have joined the Dementia Friendly Petersfield scheme.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the condition, and make Petersfield a more understanding and easier place for people living with dementia.
The latest businesses to pledge their support include JP Hair in Chapel Street, and Greys Travel in Stable Lane.
Staff who have signed up to the scheme will attend a one hour information and awareness session. This will give them a better understanding of how to help people with dementia.
East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds launched the initiative after helping his mother cope with the condition.
The Minister of State for the Department of Work and Pensions is now a dementia advisor, and holds information and awareness sessions across East Hampshire.
Waitrose customers have raised £537 for the campaign through the store’s Community Matters scheme.
The cheque was presented when the Alzheimer’s Society Roadshow visited Petersfield to offer advice to people affected by dementia.
Mr Hinds said he was delighted to accept the “impressive” sum for Dementia Friendly Petersfield.
He added that it will be used to support the work of the new initiative, which is already backed by a growing number of businesses.
Also part of the fast expanding network is Costa Coffee in Rams Walk.
In High Street, the Cancer Research charity shop for children, and estate agents Henry Adams are members.
As are Boots and M&S, also in High Street, and the Tourist Information Centre in Petersfield library is in the campaign, which is supported by the Post.
Under the wider Dementia Friendly Hampshire banner, Petersfield Police has signed up for the local scheme, and a number of Police Community Support Officers are now dementia trained.
For more information, visit www.dementiafriendlypetersfield.org.uk