As part of the UK’s biggest ever initiative to change the way people act, think and talk about dementia: colleagues from across our Society are trained as Dementia Friends.
Number of sessions delivered
284
Number of friends made
4,000
Number of Dementia Champions
2
Our story
Dementia affects millions of people in the UK, with an estimated 850,000 people living with the disease and 36% of the population knowing a family member or close friend with dementia. The condition can often lead to individuals feeling socially excluded and lonely. We wanted to take action to help remove stigma, improve understanding and raise awareness of dementia across our Society and region – in the hope of making our region a dementia-friendly place.
Dementia Friends at Newcastle Building Society
As part of our initiative, colleagues across Newcastle Building Society are given the opportunity to take part in dementia awareness sessions to become Dementia Friends. We now have Dementia Friends in every branch and every department in head office that has contact with customers, as well as a dementia-friendly team of senior leaders in the form of our Executive Team.
It’s our aim to ensure all colleagues across our Society take part in a dementia awareness session.
Are you interested in becoming a Dementia Friend?
Speak to a member of staff at your local branch to find out more about becoming a Dementia Friend and with your help we can make our region a dementia-friendly place.
We’d love to hear your stories, or reasons for becoming a Dementia Friend. Tweet us @NewcastleBSoc.