Life and pension firm Phoenix Group has joined forces with Alzheimer’s Society to train two members of staff to become Dementia Friend Champions, allowing them to deliver Dementia Friend training to colleagues in their workplace, but also within the local community.
The duo have so far this year trained 150 members of staff onsite at the Wythall site, helping to educate them on what dementia is, and providing examples on what life is like for people affected by dementia.
The Dementia Champions have also delivered training within the community, to staff working at Citizens Advice Solihull Borough and Beckett’s Farm, assisting them with becoming more dementia-aware. They have also supported the Alzheimer’s Society Birmingham roadshow earlier in the month, and will be providing community training at a pop-up Dementia Café on Thursday 19 October at The Hub, Woodrush Leisure Centre, Shawhurst Lane, Hollywood, Birmingham B47 5JW, between 2pm and 4pm.
Alzheimer’s Society staff will be on hand at this event with information and will sign-post what support services are available. It is estimated that over 40,000 people under 65 in the UK have dementia, and by 2021, one million will be living with the condition. Further details of the pop-up Dementia Café can be obtained from the Alzheimer’s Society website www.alzheimers.org.uk
Lucy Symonds, Corporate Responsibility Manager, Phoenix Group commented: “Through our staff volunteering programme, we encourage staff to attend one-hour Dementia Friend training onsite, equipping them with valuable information about dementia; making them more aware in both their day-job and wider community interactions. We look forward to continuing our support to Alzheimer’s Society over the coming year.”
Spokesperson from Alzheimer’s Society, commented: “It’s great that organisations such as Phoenix Group want to make a positive difference in the community. The Dementia Friends initiative really does enable people to understand more about dementia and we are working closely with Phoenix, offering volunteering opportunities to staff to help people with a diagnosis to continue doing the things they enjoy. We are encouraging people to talk about dementia to reduce the stigma and fear, and to help people live well with their illness.”
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Notes to editors
For more information please contact:
Shellie Wells
Head of Corporate Communications
Phoenix Group
020 3735 0922 / 07872 414 137
shellie.wells@thephoenixgroup.com
Lucy Symonds
Corporate Responsibility Manager
Phoenix Group
0203 567 9154 / 07725 735 922
lucy.symonds@thephoenixgroup.com
Phoenix Group
Phoenix Group is the UK’s largest specialist consolidator of closed life funds with over 6.1 million policyholders and £76 billion of assets held by the Group’s life companies, including the newly acquired Abbey Life, AXA Wealth and SunLife businesses. The Group employs around 1,300 people split across the Group, with around 600 based at Wythall, its main operating centre. www.thephoenixgroup.com
Alzheimer’s Society
Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. Every day they work tirelessly to find new treatments and ultimately a cure for dementia. They provide expert information, training and support services to all those who need help. They are looking to create a more dementia-friendly society so people with the condition can live without fear and prejudice. www.alzheimers.org.uk National Dementia Helpline 0300 222 11 22
