Creating a Dementia-Friendly Workforce: Twenty-Seven New Dementia Friends in a Day!

At Anglia Research, we are committed to putting our clients at the heart of everything we do. We understand that every client has unique needs, and as part of our dedication to providing compassionate, client-centric care, we recently attended Dementia Friends Information Sessions.

The result? Twenty-seven of our client-facing staff are now “Dementia Friends”, bringing enhanced empathy and understanding to those living with dementia whom we encounter.

The Training Journey

Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the nation thinks, talks and acts about the condition.

During the sessions, our team learnt how dementia can affect individuals’ daily lives in many different ways and practical ways they can make a difference. Each participant gained insights into small actions they can take to help, from being more patient to adapting their communication style for those who might struggle with memory or understanding.

Why It Matters

Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive neurological disorders that impact memory, thinking, and behaviour. It affects not only the individual but also their family, friends, and caregivers. With the number of people affected by dementia expected to rise, it was clear that our team should be given the knowledge and compassion required to serve all clients even more effectively.

Creating more Dementia Friends within our workforce will better prepare us to support our clients and their loved ones. Our commitment to becoming more dementia-friendly aligns with our broader goal of ensuring that every individual who interacts with us feels understood, respected, and valued.

Moving Forward

With these twenty seven new Dementia Friends on our team, we are taking steps toward a more inclusive, compassionate workplace. By embedding dementia-friendly practices within our company culture, we aim to create an environment where clients and staff alike feel supported.

This is just one step in our ongoing commitment to providing empathetic, client-centric care. We’re proud of our team’s dedication to learning and growing, and we look forward to finding new ways to make a meaningful difference for our clients we serve.