ILKLEY'S Clarke Foley Centre has become the first business in town to be accredited with ‘Working Towards Dementia Friendly’ status by the Dementia Action Alliance.

The community centre for the over-50s, in Cunliffe Road, is part of Dementia Friendly Ilkley Action, a voluntary group working to achieve a Dementia Friendly town and community.

The centre says it is proud to be the first to have its action plan approved.

The plan describes the changes that will help people who have dementia when visiting Clarke Foley.

Bev Fletcher, Dementia Action Alliance co-ordinator for Bradford Area of Alzheimer's Society, said: "I am happy to welcome Clarke Foley to the Bradford District and Yorkshire and Humber Dementia Action Alliance.

"It is good to know that people with dementia can continue to access their services for as long as possible, enabling them to live well and as independently as possible."

Dementia Friendly Ilkley Action hopes other businesses and organisations in Ilkley will be encouraged to follow Clarke Foley’s lead.

Only when sufficient numbers are acknowledged with the status will Ilkley be officially recognised as a Dementia Friendly Community.

The campaign is a drive to make the town a better place to live for people with dementia.

Dementia describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, perception, problem-solving or language. It is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer's, or a series of strokes.

Dementia Friendly campaigners want to spread awareness of how the condition can affect those who live with it, and simple ways businesses, events, venues and residents can help, ranging from altered lighting, clearly marked steps and menus with pictures, to understanding how busy and bustling surroundings can be overwhelming.

Dementia Friendly Ilkley co-ordinator, Alison Eagle, said: "Other businesses should be encouraged by Clarke Foley’s success.

"The plan is not difficult; it enhances the lives of people with dementia with no detriment to anyone else. It’s about presenting things clearly, removing any confusing clutter and putting yourself in the place of someone who doesn’t know your business."

The Clarke Foley Centre will be presented with its official ‘Working Towards Dementia Friendly’ status certificate by MP Kris Hopkins on May 20.

And Dementia Friendly Ilkley Action hopes other businesses and organisations will also receive their recognition at the event.

E-mail dementiafriendlyilkley@gmail.com or contact Alison Eagle on 07855867685 for dates of future Dementia Friends courses or to find out how your business can become Dementia Friendly.

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