People living with dementia will find it easier to travel around the city thanks to specialist training undertaken by local taxi drivers.
Dementia Forward -a registered charity which provides a fully integrated service to people living with dementia – has run three free training sessions for drivers and staff at York’s Fleetways Taxis. The company has subsequently joined York Dementia Action Alliance, a group of organisations and businesses committed to changing the lives of people living with dementia in York.
The initiative is part of a citywide campaign to encourage residents and businesses to become more dementia aware, helping York to become a dementia friendly city.
Netty Newell from Dementia Forward explained: “Figures show that there are around 2,700 people in York living with dementia at the moment, and this is set to rise to around 3,200 by 2020. By working with local businesses and organisations to raise their awareness and understanding of dementia we can start to make life easier for people living with dementia and their family and friends. It’s often very simple things like taking the time to explain something, or helping someone who may be a little confused, which can make a big difference.”
Jim Love, Fleetways Company Secretary, said: “When we were asked to become involved with Dementia Forward the response from our drivers was unanimous in volunteering for training. Many drivers have friends and relatives who have suffered from this devastating illness plus, due to our contract with York Hospital, we often transport dementia sufferers. We were very pleased to offer our help and the training will be invaluable.”
City of York Council is supporting the national Dementia Friends initiative, launched by Public Health England and Alzheimer’s Society, which encourages people in York to become a Dementia Friend by watching a short interactive video online to increase their understanding of the disease and implementing their experience on a daily basis.
For more information visit on how to become a Dementia Friend visit http://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/ or for more information on training and support available from Dementia Forward call01765 645904 or email york@dementia