The team at the Tonbridge branch of MPS Housing, part of Mears Group, has been awarded Dementia Friendly Accreditation by Kent Dementia Action.
Volunteers undertook a training session at the branch, increasing awareness and reinforcing their commitment to helping make Kent dementia-friendly and more accessible for people with a hidden disability.
The training also enables the team to build on the support provided to Orbit housing association’s residents living with Dementia either face to face or on the phone.
The accreditation forms a part of the company’s wider commitment to social value in the community, with employees using their two days’ volunteering leave to support the monthly Dementia & Me and Age UK ‘Dementia Cafes’ at The Angel Bowls centre and Town Lock Day Centre in Tonbridge which works supporting those living with dementia and their carers.
Different volunteers go along to the café sessions each month to support with serving refreshments as well as joining in with the activities such as themed quizzes, pottery, flower arranging and talks by guest speakers.
Jody Saich, Mears/MPS Housing’s Customer Success Manager, said:
We’re delighted to have been accredited by Dementia Friendly Communities and reinforce the team’s commitment to helping make Kent more dementia friendly. Our volunteers very much look forward to the monthly cafes and the training we’ve received is an important part of the support we’re continuing to lend to the initiative.
Chris Parker, Chair, Tonbridge & Malling, and Tunbridge Wells Dementia Friendly Communities, added:
We are so grateful for the help we receive from Mears staff who are always willing to get involved with whatever the activity of the day is. They not only contribute in a practical way, but allow the café users, many of whom are quite isolated, to interact with different people which is so valuable.
