Two of Worcester's tourist sites receive recognition for being dementia-friendly
The Commandery and Worcester’s Tourist Information Centre have both been acknowledged
A pair of Worcester city centre's tourist attractions have been recognised as being dementia-friendly after staff underwent specialised training so they could provide a service for a range of accessibility needs.
The Commandery and Worcester’s Tourist Information Centre are now both acknowledged as dementia-friendly venues, with those receiving the education also sharing what they had learnt with colleagues and volunteers.
Worcester's Dementia Action Alliance group has said it's supported staff with helping them to understand how to recognise when someone with dementia may need support, and how to respond with empathy and care.
It's also set to continue to work alongside the venues to make sure these standards of awareness and compassion are upheld and will carry out refresher training to make sure that's the case.
Worcester City Council leader councillor Lynn Denham, who is also chair of the Worcester Dementia Action Alliance and has visited the Commandery recently to hear about the ongoing work said: “Making our venues welcoming and accessible for everyone is a key priority for Worcester City Council.
“I’m proud that these venues have been recognised as dementia-friendly spaces, and we’ll continue working closely with partners to ensure every visitor receives the understanding, support and kindness they deserve.”
Volunteer from the alliance Jan Morris who joined the councillor Denham on the visit added: “It was lovely to see how the Commandery provides a welcoming experience for everyone.
“The Worcester Dementia Action Alliance want organisations to be able to recognise somebody who may be living with dementia and the appropriate ways to provide them assistance.
“An awareness of specific needs of people living with dementia and a willingness to address environmental issues like signage is also important in venues.
“We are looking for compassion and kindness, a greater understanding on how an individual with dementia may present will support that.”
Worcester City Council said it is committed to ensuring its venues are "increasingly accessible".
It added it also reviewed potential barriers faced by people living with dementia and as a result, new signage has been introduced at both venues alongside lighting being enhanced in key areas.