Thousands of One Stop staff commit to helping customers with dementia

The dementia friends programme is run by the Alzheimer’s Society and is intended to educate and change people’s perceptions of the debilitating illness.

Dementia is widespread: there are an estimated 850,000 with the condition in the UK, which is projected to rise to 1.6m by 2040.

One Stop has been a long time supporter of the Alzheimer’s Society and has raised £300,000 for them in recent years.

Liz Fox, head of sustainability and social responsibility at One Stop, said: “Dementia Friends is a very simple but powerful initiative which educates and provides an understanding of what it’s like to live with dementia and understand a little more about how challenging everyday tasks can be.

“Our colleagues wear the Dementia Friends pin badge in stores to highlight to customers they can be relied on to assist any customers who may need it.

“This could be anything from supporting customers to locate the right products, to helping them at the till in a sensitive manner that builds trust.”