BUSINESSES and organisations are being encouraged to find out how to make their services more dementia friendly at an event in Skipton.

Aimed at those in Skipton and in South Craven, the event will take place on Wednesday, February 8 at Belle Vue Mills, Broughton Road.

It will feature presentations, including one by dementia suffer, Hazel Foster, who will talk about living with the condition.

There will also be presentations from Steve Pool, head of the Yorkshire and Humber Dementia Action Alliance, and from Cllr Chris Moorby, chairman of Craven District Council.

Antony Radley, practice manager at Dyneley House Surgery in Skipton said it was a great opportunity to find out more about dementia.

“By joining the Dementia Action Alliance, businesses will receive support and practical help to make their environment or services more dementia friendly," he said.

“Sometimes taking small steps can significantly improve the lives of people living with dementia and we hope local businesses will come along to find out more.”

The Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia Action Alliance, Dementia Friends, Making Space, Pioneer Projects, Carers’ Resource and Dyneley House Surgery will all be attending the sessions.

Craven District Council is working towards becoming a Dementia Friendly Authority, and has already delivered Dementia Friends training to some frontline staff. The Skipton Town Hall rebrand and development is also taking into account dementia friendly guidelines.

Cllr Linda Brockbrank, the council's lead member for working with communities, said: “We believe it’s important to play our part in improving the lives of people with dementia and we would urge other organisations in the district to join us. This is a growing issue in our district and we all need to help create a better society for people living with dementia and those who care about them.”

Skipton and South Craven are in the process of setting up a local Dementia Action Alliance, similar to the group set up in North Craven by Age UK. A steering group has been set up with representations from dementia groups and North Yorkshire County Council as well as Craven District Council and Dyneley House Surgery.

A Local Dementia Action Alliance brings together regional and local members to improve the lives of people with dementia in their area. They are seen as the local vehicle to develop dementia friendly communities.

Presentations at the event on February 8 will take place at 5pm and at 6.30pm.

Those unable to attend, but who would like more information, should email Antony Radley on antony.radley@gp-B82053.nhs.uk