50 Police Officers Become ‘Dementia Friends'

50 Jersey Police officers have been going to 'Dementia Friends' sessions to better understand those who have the brain disorder.

Dementia Jersey has given the officers five hours training, after it was approached by the force on social media.

Around 50 officers now know about the signs and symptoms of dementia, including memory loss.

Sergeant Emma Skyes says the police are committed to understanding mental health issues to better support islanders.

"Occasionally we are called upon to help people living with dementia, most notably during missing person episodes, calls from confused individuals, or domestic related incidents where dementia is a factor.

Our officers enjoyed these informative and interactive classes hosted by the enthusiastic Dan from Dementia Jersey, which have helped officers better understand dementia and how it affects people in different ways."

The sessions put people in the shoes of those with dementia, so they can understand what it is like to live with the disoder.

It aims to forge empathy and an understanding of the challenges people with dementia face everyday.

Dementia Jersey's goal is to create an island where people are aware of the signs and are more likely to help those suffering; and to remove the stigma surrounding the condition.

The charity's CEO Claudine Snape says the session is a quick and easy way to increase your knowledge of dementia and how to support families affected on the island.

"We were over the moon that they (SoJP) recognised that it was important for their officers to be well equipped to support a range of people and saw dementia as a priority."

Statistics show that Jersey has an ageing population with one in five people being aged 60 and over.

"This information session is a quick and easy way to increase your knowledge of dementia and how to support families affected on the island. We’ve had a fantastic response and encourage local businesses who regularly come into contact with over 65s or those affected by dementia to get in touch and email [email protected]”