Local Businesses Encouraged to Become Dementia Friendly

Age UK Hythe, Lyminge & Ashford is encouraging cafés, pubs, shops and other local businesses across the area to help make our communities more dementia friendly.

By taking part in a simple and free initiative, businesses can register as a Dementia Friendly Organisation, showing their commitment to creating welcoming and supportive environments for people living with dementia and their families.

Dementia affects many people across our communities, and everyday activities such as visiting a café, browsing in a shop or meeting friends for a drink can sometimes become more challenging. Small changes in understanding, patience and awareness can make a huge difference to someone’s experience.

By becoming dementia friendly, local businesses can help ensure people living with dementia feel confident, supported and comfortable when visiting venues across Hythe, Lyminge and Ashford. This helps people remain active in their communities and continue enjoying the everyday places they know and love.

How Local Businesses Can Get Involved

Cafés, pubs, shops and other businesses across the area are encouraged to sign up as a Dementia Friendly Organisation. The process is quick, simple and completely free.

Signing up takes just a few minutes but can make a real difference to people living with dementia and their families when visiting local businesses in our towns and villages.

Why get involved?

• Free and quick to register
• Shows your business supports people living with dementia
• Helps create more inclusive communities across Hythe, Lyminge & Ashford

Together, we can help create an area where everyone feels comfortable stopping for a coffee, enjoying a meal, or browsing local shops.

Businesses interested in taking part can register online here:
https://www.kentdaa.org/contact-8

A free Dementia Friendly Business Guide is also available to download. The guide provides practical advice and simple steps businesses can take to better support customers living with dementia, including tips on communication, signage and creating welcoming environments.

Download the guide here:
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-04/Alzheimer_s_Society_NEW_Business_guide_Web.pdf

Supporting Dementia Friendly Communities

Age UK Hythe, Lyminge & Ashford supports many people living with dementia and their families through a range of local services and activities. By encouraging more local businesses to become dementia friendly, the charity hopes to build communities where people feel understood, supported and included.

Local councils and organisations across the area are also helping raise awareness and support initiatives that make towns and villages more accessible for everyone.

Find Out More

For more information about dementia support services or to speak to the team, please contact Age UK Hythe, Lyminge & Ashford:

Telephone: 01303 269602
Email: admin@ageukhla.org.uk

Together we can help make Hythe, Lyminge and Ashford communities where everyone feels welcome.