Hi Mark,

As you know, we're big on training - especially our customer service training.

Dementia is an insidious disease that will have touched many of our lives in one way or another. Recently we were delighted to welcome Dorothy to the pub to deliver a training session for our colleagues. Dorothy is leading the project to make Holmes Chapel a 'Dementia Friendly Village'.

This may be a new phrase for some, but what does it mean?

"A village where people with dementia are understood, respected and supported, and confident they can contribute to community life."

Dorothy explained that they're not the first organisation to support the Dementia Friends movement, but they're hoping that others will follow suit.

As part of Dementia Action Week (21st-27th May) there will be a coffee morning at the Holmes Chapel Methodist Church on Saturday May 26th from 10am-midday in aid of the Alzheimer's Society.

Everyone found the training very thought-provoking and the time spent with Dorothy has equipped the team with compassionate strategies to use when interacting with customers suffering with dementia and related illnesses.

If you'd like any more information, our colleagues would love to hear your questions and share what they've learnt.

The links below provide details about the initiative and how it's being supported locally.

Best wishes,