FIVE more organisations in Tavistock were recognised as dementia-friendly this week.

Tony Parker, chairman of the Tavistock Dementia Action Alliance and the Devon Dementia Care and Support Partnership, said the group had been briefing and training a range of businesses and social organisations in the town and while the numbers were still small, they were hopeful that many others would join the scheme.

The five who were recognised on Friday were 4Hire Taxis, Tavistock Osteopaths, St Eustachius Church, The Original Barber's Shop and Amano Technologies.

Mr Parker invites more organisations to become dementia friendly.

'Although we marketed this through the Chamber of Trade and BID, unfortunately the take-up so far from businesses has been extremely disappointing,' he said.

The new national symbol will be awarded to any organisation who commits to assisting Tavistock become dementia-friendly and staff of the business receive appropriate training and briefing to increase their awareness and understanding of dementia.

Once recognised by the Tavistock Alliance the business will be entitled to display the national symbol which demonstrates to a person with dementia or their carer that they will be welcomed and can expect understanding, respect and support.

As the year progresses Tony hopes more businesses and social organisations will commit to becoming dementia-friendly.

Mr Parker coninued: 'Apart from the social value to those with a dementia it actually makes business sense commercially to become dementia aware.

'You will retain your current customers as they get older and you will attract others who know from seeing the symbol that the business is aware of some of the problems that those with a dementia and their carers have in the town.'

For more information on the scheme or to register your business or social organisation, contact Tony Parker on [email protected]">[email protected]