Local training academy pledges to train 100 Dementia Friends

BB Training Academy, an award-winning care training provider, has set out to recruit 100 Dementia Friends to help the local community cope with the challenges of an ageing population.

Dementia Friends is an initiative by the Alzheimer’s Society to educate people about living with Dementia and the small actions that can make a big difference. This includes being more patient with people living with Dementia, spreading the word about Dementia Friends, and campaigning for improvements in personalised care.

BB Training Academy, who provides health and social care and clinical care training, has pledged to sign up 100 Friends within ten months, in a first step towards making the Academy a Dementia-Friendly organisation. The recruits will join a nationwide network of Dementia Friends working to support people living with Dementia and their loved ones.

Fay Gibbin, CEO of BB Training Academy, said: “With 750,000 Dementia sufferers in the UK alone, the work of Dementia Friends in local communities is vital. As training providers for the care sector, it is our responsibility to share best practice, and we want to help train as many Dementia Friends as possible. The more people who understand the needs of a person who has dementia, the better.”

Anyone of any age can sign up to become a Dementia Friend, and no existing knowledge or experience is required.