THE Woolavington Branch Surgery of the Polden Medical Practice has become the first to gain accreditation for dementia awareness.

John Hardy of the Bridgwater Dementia Action Alliance (DAA) joined staff at the medical centre alongside Village Agent Vander Squire, and Lewis Hayes from the Homes in Sedgemoor Make a Difference fund which helped finance the project.

Over the past few years John Hardy has been tirelessly promoting dementia awareness in Bridgwater and the surrounding area, going along to give talks to various businesses and organisations about helping people with the condition.

Having made nearly 1,000 ‘Dementia Friends’ in the area, John says the next step is for organisations to follow the lead of the Woolavington branch of the Polden Medical Practice and create specific action plans that can help people with dementia.

Alan Owen, Polden Medical Practice’s business manager said: “In terms of physical changes, we have added new red signs to help - something that is less known about dementia is that it can cause people to lose their colour perception and red the easiest colour to contrast against.

“We have also made several procedural changes - we have our Carers’ Champion Barbara, and our register has been accurately updated and cross-referenced to ensure the best care is provided.

“Although our clinical staff have always been very aware about the impacts of dementia, now all our non-clinical staff are also knowledgeable about it and what constitutes good practice when dealing with someone with the condition.”

John Hardy of the DAA added: “It is great to see what is happening here in Woolavington with the support of Homes in Sedgemoor’s Make a Difference fund.

“My hope is now other organisations will follow suit and become dementia accredited too.”

The Homes in Sedgemoor Make a Difference fund is open to any community group or organisation with a project which will help Homes in Sedgemoor tenants within the community.

Lewis Hayes, who represents the fund, said: “It can be anything from tree planting, to installing benches, help putting on events or coffee mornings.”

There is up to £1,500 available per application.

To find out more information and to get an application form contact the Homes in Sedgemoor Make a Difference Fund team.