FIREFIGHTERS and doctors in Burnham and Highbridge have completed dementia training in a bid to help residents suffering with the condition.

Burnham and Highbridge's Dementia Action Alliance Group, which formed five months ago, delivered training to Burnham's fire service on August 2 and Highbridge Medical Centre staff on August 15 in a bid to make the two towns more dementia aware.

Since its formation, the group has also trained Burnham and Highbridge town councillors and has helped to start a dementia friendly church service at St Andrews Church, which is held on the third Thursday of every month by Rev’d Sharon Eldergill. 

Deborah Matthews, chairman of the group said: "It is really great to see how this is progressing and fantastic to see how many individuals and groups have come forward to be part of what we are aiming to achieve. 

"It would be great if some High Street businesses came forward to be involved as the economic value to our resort should enough take part would be immense.  

"Nationally the Purple Pound is estimated to bring £249 billion into the UK economy."

Staff at Burnham's fire service were full of praise for the group. 

"A very informative evening which was delivered in a fun and enjoyable way that highlighted how little we really know about dementia and the effects it can have on the person suffering from this disease" a spokesman said. 

"This training will now help in the future if we attend incidents where someone is suffering from dementia as we have more understanding on how it affects them and how we able to help.

"I am pleased to say that the whole crew on station signed up to be dementia friends at the end of evening."

The group is now looking to get nurseries and nursing homes to work together for a monthly activity group after being inspired by the Channel 4 documentary, Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds.

For more information about the group email Deborah Matthews at deborah@successfulstays.co.uk