Dementia Friendly shopping returns

Dementia Friendly shopping is returning to Plymouth later this month.

The Dementia Friendly Shopping Day on Thursday 13 July is for shoppers affected by dementia that would like some assistance in three city centre stores.

Marks and Spencer and Boots in Drake Circus and Wilko in the Armada Centre will be participating and shoppers are invited to book a personal supported shopping session with staff between 10am and 4pm.

The day is part of an initiative by Plymouth City Council, the Healthy High Streets Group and Plymouth Dementia Action Alliance who are working together towards making Plymouth a Dementia Friendly City where people with dementia and their carers are included in all areas of community life.

Councillor Lynda Bowyer, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care said: “I am, as ever, immensely proud of the work that we do in Plymouth to help those living with dementia.

“Every day tasks like shopping are things that most of us take for granted so it is great to be able to help out people living with dementia in this way.”

Selena Arnold, Commercial Manager at M&S Plymouth said: “At M&S Plymouth we are proud to be supporting the dementia friends campaign. We want all of our customers to feel comfortable shopping in our store; even if they do need a bit of support, patience, kindness and a bigger than usual smile to greet them when they visit us.

“That’s why we have committed to each and every one of our colleagues being empowered to become a Dementia Friend. A number of our colleagues have already attended dementia awareness information sessions and we aim to run these sessions to all our 280 colleagues.”

Chris Murray, Area Manager for Boots, Plymouth said: “Shopping can becoming a daunting experience as dementia progresses and offering a personal shopper experience for people with dementia and their carers, Healthy High Streets is committed to making shopping easier and more enjoyable for those with dementia.”

Amanda Nicholson, Manager at Wilko, Plymouth said: “Wilko is looking

forward to welcoming and assisting shoppers on the day.”

Claire Puckey, the Dementia Friendly City Co-ordinator will also be available throughout the day with her awareness and information stand outside M & S entrance within Drake Circus.

To book a personal shopping session at any of the three participating stores on the day, please contact Claire on 01752 398922 or email: claire.puckey@plymouth.gov.uk