Ramsey Town Commissioners have shown their support for the Island’s newly established branch of the Alzheimer’s Society by hosting dementia information sessions for its staff.
Town clerk Peter Whiteway, who attended one of the sessions delivered by dementia support worker Susan Walker, explained: ‘The Commission has long been committed to its social and caring responsibilities to the community and recognises the importance of equipping staff with the skills and knowledge to deliver the best possible service.
‘Research indicates that one in three people over the age of 65 will develop dementia and that the Isle of Man has a higher percentage of people over the age of 65 than the United Kingdom.
‘It was against this background that when we were approached by the Alzheimer’s Society the Commissioners determined that awareness training would be of considerable benefit, especially to front-line staff, such as those in housing and property maintenance, for example.
‘The Commissioners applaud the society’s efforts to create dementia-friendly communities. The sessions delivered by Susan Walker were well received and extremely thought-provoking; they also served as an important step in Dementia Friends’ mission to “turn understanding into action”.’
Dementia Friends training is provided free of charge to businesses, schools and individuals. For more information contact Susan Walker, susan.walker@alzheimers.co.uk, 613181 / 346794.
Photo - Dementia support worker Sue Walker, front row centre, with some of Ramsey Town Commissioners’ staff who attended one of the dementia information sessions. Picture Andrew Barton.
