Dementia Awareness Week events to be held across Rotherham

The visits coincide with Dementia Awareness Week, a national event running from May 14 and supported by the Alzheimer’s Society.

Sessions in Rotherham will see council staff offering shopkeepers advice on the illness and how to help suffering shoppers.

Traders will be taught to spot the signs of dementia and assist customers with patience and a variety of techniques.

A pop-up session at the Outdoor Covered Market will extend the advice to stallholders and members of the public, between 11am and noon on Wednesday, May 17.

Terri Roche, director of public health, said: “Dementia affects so many people, yet it isn't widely known that people with the condition can lead fulfilling lives within the community.

“By educating businesses around Rotherham, we can hopefully lend support to everyone who uses services, to spot the signs of dementia and act with compassion, patience and respect to all involved and offer appropriate assistance when it’s needed.”

Riverside Library is working with the Alzheimer’s Society to host a Reminiscence and Awareness Workshop on Friday, May 19.

The session will involve adult colouring and memories and Rotherham, while dementia champions will advise families and friends of those living with the condition.