Issue - meetings

Wendy Blunt, Health and Wellbeing Officer, and Lauren Curry, Alzheimers’ Society, invited to attend.

Wendy Blunt and Lauren Curry gave a presentation on issues related to dementia and opportunities for operators and drivers to become more dementia friendly, referring to a growing number of people diagnosed with dementia in Derbyshire (currently 14,000) and across the country.

Possible actions for operators and drivers included attending a dementia awareness session (45 minutes), adapting working processes (e.g. pre-paid accounts) and revising office layouts (e.g. removing black mats). It was noted that providing travel options benefitted not only people with dementia, but also businesses in terms of increased competitive advantage and brand reputation.

It was recognised that many licensed drivers were experienced in providing assistance to people with disabilities, including dementia, and it was confirmed that drivers could contact the Police (using the Herbert protocol) if they were concerned about a passenger’s safety.

Further information and training was available from the Alzheimer’s Society, including training to be a ‘Dementia Champion’ (who could then deliver awareness training to others), provision of the ‘I’m a Dementia Friend’ logo for display in vehicles (subject to an appropriate exemption within the Licensing Policy) and online awareness training.

Representatives were encouraged to contact Wendy Blunt or Lauren Curry to follow up any of the training opportunities.