Officers on course to be dementia friendly

Lanarkshire Police have been recognised as the first dementia friendly police division in scotland.

The accolade from Alzheimer’s scotland comes after police officers took part in Dementia Friends workshops, run by the charity.

Here they learned how best to engage with, and support, people who are living with dementia in Rutherglen and Cambuslang.

Lorna Hart, dementia advisor at Alzheimer scotland, said the charity was delighted with officers’willingness to learn more about the condition.

she said:“Police officers perform a vital role in our communities and by working together we can take very important steps towards making our communities a better place to live for people with dementia and their carers.

“our mission with Dementia Friends is to help make everyday life better for people living with dementia, and change the way the nation thinks, talks and acts when it comes dementia. Police officers across the community will now have more awareness and confidence to help members of the community affected by dementia going forward.

“With approximately 10,000 people living with dementia in Lanarkshire and with the number set to double in a generation, we are working hard with individuals and with local organisations, workplaces and communities to help change the lives of people with dementia and their carers for the better.”