THERE will be a better understanding and awareness of dementia in Petersfield, thanks to the launch of a group.
A host of businesses and organisations in the town have been quick to sign up to the Dementia Friendly Petersfield initiative, which has been supported by East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds and the Petersfield Post.
The aim of the scheme is to help people affected by dementia when they visit shops, businesses and other facilities across the town.
With staff having a greater awareness of the condition, thanks to a one hour information session, they can better understand the needs of people suffering from the illness.
Mr Hinds joined the official launch of Dementia Friendly Petersfield at Winton House in the High Street.
He said: “I am very excited by the start of this new initiative as raising awareness can make a real difference for those affected by dementia.
“There is a great well of support for this in Petersfield and I hope many more businesses will choose to join in the coming weeks and make their own pledge of support.
“It’s (the initiative) good for business, it’s good for the town and it’s good for the community.”
All businesses have to do to join the scheme is ask their key staff members to become Dementia Friends. To do this they have to attend the hour-long information session or watch a video online.
In return for making the pledge to join Dementia Friendly Petersfield, businesses will receive a certificate to show the public they are members of the scheme and their logo will be displayed on the initiative’s website.
Dementia Friendly Petersfield has already been supported by East Hampshire District Council, Petersfield Town Council, Waitrose, Hampshire Constabulary, Petersfield Area Churches Together (PACT), The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Local Treasures, Dementia Friendly Hampshire and the Petersfield Post.
For more information on how to join, as well as details of dementia support services available in the area, visit www.dementia-friendly-petersfield.org.uk