NorthLink Ferries has partnered with Alzheimer Scotland to take part in the charity’s Dementia Friends programme to ensure that all its crews are fully trained to assist its passengers living with dementia.
The two organisations have come together to offer training to NorthLink Ferries staff and crewmembers, helping them recognise the symptoms and support travelling passengers effectively.
Seumas Campbell, Serco’s Customer Service Director at NorthLink Ferries, commented: “The sessions focus on helping our staff and crewmembers learn a little more about what it’s like to live with dementia and turn that understanding into action. We hope that by doing this we encourage those who are affected by dementia to travel with us safe in the knowledge that we will do our upmost to ensure they have a relaxed journey.
“We are proud to not only be equipping our staff with training, but also having the opportunity to raise awareness amongst our local communities.”
Stuart Garrett, Serco’s Managing Director of NorthLink Ferries, added: “The training is one of a range of initiatives we plan to undertake this year to support every facet of society. We will be rolling out a number of sessions across our ship and shore operations in the coming weeks and months.”
Read moreAlzheimer Scotland is passionate that nobody should face dementia alone. Sarah Geoghegan, Dementia Advisor at the charity, commented: “We are thrilled that NorthLink Ferries has taken part in our Dementia Friends programme, joining over 57,000 people across Scotland – that’s now one per cent of the Scottish population - who have also taken part in the initiative to help create communities where people living with dementia feel more understood and included.
“Dementia affects over 90,000 people in Scotland and that number is set to rise significantly in coming years. It’s one of the greatest challenges we face in society today and all businesses can contribute to tackle the social and economic impact of dementia. From retail to housing, utilities to entertainment, finance to transport, all sectors have a part to play.
“Our mission is to help make everyday life better for those affected, and change the way the nation thinks, talks and acts when it comes to dementia. By becoming a Dementia Friend, NorthLink Ferries’ employees have committed to spreading greater awareness of the condition and of the urgent need for a dementia friendly society.”
Anyone can become a Dementia Friend. To find out how to book a Dementia Friends Scotland learning session, email [email protected] or visit www.dementiafriendsscotland.org
For more information about NorthLink Ferries or to make a booking, visit www.northlinkferries.co.uk or call 0845 6000 449.
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