TWO Worcester city centre tourist attractions have been recognised as being dementia friendly.
Worcester City Council is committed to ensuring its venues are increasingly accessible, with trained staff ready to support the needs of all visitors.
And ongoing work has resulted in The Commandery and Worcester’s Tourist Information Centre both being recognised as dementia-friendly venues.
Teams at both sites have undergone specialist training designed to help them provide excellent customer service for visitors with a range of accessibility needs.
After completing their training, staff have shared their learning with colleagues and volunteers, helping to ensure that everyone across the venues are equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to provide a warm welcome to all visitors.
The city council has also reviewed potential barriers faced by people living with dementia. As a result, new signage has been introduced at both venues and lighting has been enhanced in key areas.
Worcester Dementia Action Alliance has supported staff by helping them understand how to recognise when someone with dementia may need support, and how to respond with empathy and care.
The Alliance will continue to work alongside the venues, providing ongoing refresher training to ensure that these high standards of awareness and compassion are upheld.
Worcester City Council leader Coun Lynn Denham is also chair of the Worcester Dementia Action Alliance. She was joined by Jan Morris, volunteer with the Alliance, on a recent visit to the Commandery to hear about the ongoing work.
Coun Denham 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.”
Mrs Morris 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.”
