Ruth Crosland (2nd left) with Haskins team members (from left) Kevin Dorning, Liz Welch, Joolz Walford, Angie Mannwith.
Over 40 staff at the Haskins Garden Centres have become Dementia Friends after attending sessions presented by Ruth Crosland, a volunteer Dementia Friends champion from the Alzheimer’s Society. The team members, who now as Dementia Friends can wear their forget-me-not badge, said that the information learnt from the sessions would be useful not only whilst working but with home life with family and friends.
Ruth Crosland said that she was delighted that the Haskins team had joined the campaign for great awareness of the disease: “People with dementia want to carry on going about their daily lives and feeling included in their local community, but they sometimes need a helping hand to do so. Dementia Friends learn a little bit about what it’s like to live with dementia and turns that understanding into action. Anyone can become a Dementia Friend. Look on the Dementia Friends website to find a session near you or to learn online.
Joolz Walford, Customer Services Manager at Haskins, said that the staff would now be more aware of the behaviour of customers who may have milder forms of dementia and offer the individuals more support and understanding during their time at the centre.
Haskins Staff had voted Alzheimer’s Society to be their charity of the year. Anyone wishing to support, volunteer for or donate to Alzheimer’s Society can contact the fundraising team on 0845 303 0898 or visit www.alzheimers.org.uk
