Campaign for a forgetful-friendly Falmouth
12:40pm Monday 25th February 2013 in Falmouth/Penryn
By Greg Fountain, Reporter/Photographer
Specsavers was the first business in town to sign up to the Falmouth Dementia Action Alliance
A new, improved forgetful-friendly Falmouth could be on the cards if a recently created campaign group has the impact they hope for on the town.
Falmouth Dementia Action Alliance wants to increase awareness of dementia and is confident that educating shop staff is the way forward.
Local co-ordinator Bob Bridges said the key was education, so he and other alliance members are getting ready to hand out booklets packed with tips and hints on how to care for customers with dementia.
Bob said: “There are nearly 10,000 people with dementia in Cornwall, and that figure is set to rise. Many of these people are existing or potential customers - they will support those establishments who demonstrate they are dementia friendly.
“Businesses will be easily identified from a window sticker as well as having staff that are trained and understanding.
“The results will be that those affected by the illness and their carers will feel comfortable and be able to continue to use businesses and services without feeling stigmatised.
“This is obviously beneficial to businesses that sign up as they will retain and attract new customers who will recognise the sign attached to their premises.”
The alliance now has ten members across Falmouth and the town's Rotary Club, itself a member, will be visiting other business as part of a recruitment drive during March.
For more information, or to sign up to the alliance, contact Bob on 01326 373830 or e-mail bob.bridges@btinternet.com.
