Adequate training is needed

Kate Lee, CEO, Alzheimer’s Society

Less than half of people affected by dementia feel care staff have a good understanding of the condition, an Alzheimer’s Society survey reveals.

The worrying finding comes as the charity, together with a cross-party group of MPs and people affected by dementia, calls on the Government to urgently address the social care workforce crisis.

Many care workers are not fully qualified. According to Skills For Care, which publishes data about the adult social care sector, 49% of those employed in Yorkshire and Humber do not have a relevant social care qualification.

The Workforce Matters report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia, chaired by Debbie Abrahams MP and supported by Alzheimer’s Society, calls for a 10-year People Plan to create a social care workforce that is skilled and supported to provide high-quality personalised care for people living with dementia.

The group is urging the Government to prioritise the social care workforce, providing better pay, career progression and mandatory dementia training to ensure people with dementia can

live the lives they want to. The full report can be viewed at alzheimers.org. uk/workforcematters

Vicky Martin, Fundraising Manager, Bowel Cancer UK Bowel Cancer UK is encouraging men to bring their families, friends and colleagues together and get sponsored to grow their best beard throughout December.

Taking part in Decembeard is really simple. All you need to do is clean shave on November 30 and let your facial fuzz grow throughout the month. Already bearded? No problem. Dye, ditch or decorate your beard and join the campaign.

We want you to gather your families, friends and colleagues to get sponsored to grow your best beard. All we ask is that you pledge to raise at least £100 per team member and all the money you raise will help fight bowel cancer by funding our vital services. Sign up to Decembeard and receive your free fundraising pack: bowelcanceruk.org.uk/ decembeard