Welsh Inspectorate engage workforce for Dementia Friends

The Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) have rolled out information sessions to their entire workforce enabling them to become a Dementia Friend.

CSSIW senior management, including Chief Inspector Imelda Richardson, pledged at the end of last year their staff would become ‘Dementia Friends’ in a move to better understand dementia and the impact it can have on people’s lives.

Dementia Friends is an Alzheimer’s Society initiative that aims to help members of the public improve their understanding of dementia and turn that understanding into action.

Chief Inspector, Imelda Richardson said: “Being an inspectorate who regulates social care it is so important to understand the people that use the services. Becoming a Dementia Friend has meant that we now have a better understanding of what it is like for someone living with dementia day to day and what we can do help.

“We committed to roll out the information sessions to our entire workforce at the end of last year and we are so grateful to the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends team for working with us to achieve our pledge.

“Everyone at CSSIW now has a better understanding of dementia and how we can be more aware and understanding to someone living with the different types of the disease.”

Chella Borde, Dementia Friends’ regional support officer at Alzheimer’s Society said: “Dementia Friends isn’t about creating experts, it’s about helping people understand a little bit more about what it’s like to live with the condition and then turn that understanding into action.

“Less than half of us think we know enough about dementia so Dementia Friends is the perfect opportunity to be able to invite everyone up and down the country to improve their knowledge and have a positive impact on the lives of people with dementia.

“We’re delighted that the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales has pledged their support for the initiative. It’s been fantastic to support one of the largest roll outs of information sessions in Wales.”