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Local businesses on their way to becoming dementia friendly

Congratulations to Smith Scientific – the first business in Edenbridge to have received awareness training after taking the pledge earlier this year to become dementia friendly.

Back in February, the laboratory glassware suppliers based at Fircroft Way, attended the launch event of Building Bridges for Dementia Friendly Edenbridge – a joint initiative between the Town Council and Kent Dementia Action Alliance. By supporting the initiative and pledging to do their bit, staff from Smith Scientific were given awareness training on Monday 17 April by Elaine Murray of the Sevenoaks Area Dementia Friendly Community. They were joined by staff from the Council, and Elaine provided an insight into what it can be like for people living with dementia and the challenges they face, especially when interacting with people they don’t know.

The company’s Director, Reece Bramley, says: “We are pleased to support such an initiative in Edenbridge, and we trust that we can play our very small part in being part of the community. Elaine has done a super job of outlining the many forms that dementia can take, and passed on the biggest takeaway, which is that whilst information or contexts may fade, emotions remain.”

Building Bridges for Dementia Friendly Edenbridge is an initiative all businesses and organisations can sign up to. Businesses that take the pledge to help our community become dementia friendly will receive FREE awareness training and the Dementia Action Alliance Edenbridge logo, which can be displayed by businesses to show an understanding of those living with dementia. Don’t hesitate – find out more and complete the online pledge!

We are grateful to Edenbridge Manor Care Home and Eden Valley Chamber of Commerce who also helped get this initiative off the ground.