Delight as The Grafton Shopping Centre goes Dementia Friendly

Staff from The Grafton have been celebrating this week, as the popular shopping destination leads the way towards being Dementia Friendly.

Shoppers from across Cambridge are set to benefit as colleagues from the centre management team are now all registered as Dementia Friends, following information sessions as part of Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme.

The Grafton Centre Manager, Russell Hall, said he was proud that the centre had been recognised as Dementia Friendly. “The entire team have worked extremely hard, having been trained how to best help anyone who might be confused or distressed in the centre. I’m delighted that through the commitment of our staff, the centre can now be recognised as working to become Dementia Friendly,” said Russell.

“More than 850,000 people are currently living with dementia in the UK and 10,000 of those live in Cambridgeshire - with that number set to hit one million by 2025 - and it’s vital that businesses recognise and appreciate the impact that will have, not just on those with the condition but those that care for them.

"We know and understand the important role we play in the Cambridge community and we’re striving to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors. Becoming Dementia Friendly is key for us. I’m proud that we’re officially the first shopping centre in the city to be recognised in this way."

Hilary Shepherd, Dementia Action Alliance Coordinator for Cambridgeshire, said: “It is great to see the positive steps being taken by The Grafton to raise awareness of dementia. Hopefully other retailers in the city will follow their lead, uniting to make a difference to the lives of those affected by the condition.

“Alzheimer’s Society would encourage the shopping centre and other local organisations to join the Cambridge City Dementia Action Alliance (DAA) and pledge their ongoing support to help benefit the lives of those affected by dementia.”