LOCAL businesses and retailers are being urged to play their part in making Middlesbrough a dementia friendly town.
The call is the latest initiative by the Dementia Friendly Middlesbrough Project which aims to ensure people across the town are able to help those with the condition lead active and fulfilling lives.
The project was developed by local dementia charity Cleveland Alzheimer’s Residential Centre Limited (Clevearc) in partnership with South Tees Clinical Commissioning Group.
It aims to help those living with dementia remain active members of their community, while delivering services in a manner that are accessible and inclusive to them and their carers.
A successful stakeholder consultation event at Middlesbrough Central Library in November 2015 attracted more than 60 people who learned how local organisations can adapt to be recognised as part of the Middlesbrough Dementia Friendly Community.
And now local stores and businesses are being invited to sign up to a further event on Friday, 22 January 2016 to help them do their bit to make the town accessible and welcoming to those affected by the condition and their carers.
Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd said: “Middlesbrough has already made great strides towards becoming dementia friendly, but there’s always more we can do.
“With ever more people living with dementia, it’s essential that we work together to help those affected maintain their independence and avoid becoming socially isolated.
“Middlesbrough’s shops and businesses have a key role to play in eliminating stigma and creating a supportive and understanding environment.
“They are at the front line in welcoming people to the town, and I hope as many as possible attend next month’s Business Engagement Event to find out more about the role they can play.”
The Dementia Friendly Middlesbrough Business Engagement Event takes place at the Town Hall Crypt on Friday, January 22 from 2pm to 4.30pm.
Businesses and other organisations in Middlesbrough wishing to find out more or register for the event should contact the Dementia Friendly Middlesbrough Team – Iris Jenkins or Brian Rowcroft on 01642 611110, email ijenkins@clevearc.com, browcroft@clevearc.com or visit www.dementiafriendlymiddlesbrough.co.uk
