Belong Warrington helps local company to become 'Dementia Friends'

Thirty staff members from local glazing company, Northwich Glass, have signed up as Dementia Friends, after Dementia Champion Michelle Jones provided a workshop promoting discussion and understanding of how to better support people who are living with the condition.

Michelle, a lead trainer at Belong Warrington on Loushers Lane, is a registered Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Champion. She delivered the session to Northwich Glass staff, to teach them how to support people, including their customers, who may be living with dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Society’s programme is an initiative to change people’s perceptions of the condition. It aims to educate people in noticing signs of dementia and transform the way people act towards those living with it.

Mark Patrick, Managing Director of Northwich Glass, said: “The talk Michelle gave to our staff was both informative and interesting. We all very much enjoyed the session and now feel much better equipped to appropriately interact with people with dementia, whether they be a customer, relative of a customer or people within our own communities.”

Michelle Jones, commented: “Dementia can impact the lives of almost anybody so it is important that people learn how to interact with those living with it.”

“I was delighted that Northwich Glass staff members asked me to deliver the session and we had a great morning learning together. I am sure that all participants will now be well equipped to support people who are living with the condition and that is a truly valuable and important skill.”

Belong deliver dementia friends sessions to various schools, organisations and community groups across the North West.