Sports centre gets ‘dementia friendly’

STAFF from Leighton Recreation Centre and Westbury Swimming Pool became ‘dementia friendly’ recently after learning how to support people with the condition.

16 staff from the centres got together to do a ‘dementia friends information session.’ They learned what dementia is, how it affects people and what they can do to support sufferers.

Westbury’s community engagement manager, Liam Cripps said, “Little things can make a big difference, like clear signs, quieter exercise sessions and staff who are more aware of how dementia affects people.

“Following on from the session, the swimming pool and leisure centre will be exploring ways that they can make it easier for people with dementia and their carers to use these facilities.

“If you are a person with dementia or a carer and would like to swim or exercise more, please contact the swimming pool or leisure centre and they will be happy to see how they can support you.

“This is part of a bigger project to make the Westbury area more a dementia friendly community. A big part of this is making the population more aware of what dementia is and how it affects people.”

Anyone interested in having a free Dementia Friends Information Session at their club, workplace, school or business should contact Claire Thomas at Alzheimer’s Support  by emailing clairet@alzheimerswiltshire.org.uk