The Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire, Russell George, has joined Alzheimer’s Society Cymru and Boots UK at an event to recognise and celebrate the work of Boots staff in supporting the Dementia Friends movement, and to help bring more awareness and understanding to this condition.
As part of its continued commitment to caring for communities across Wales, Boots UK marked the achievement of having a ‘Dementia Friend’ in every Boots store in Wales, and highlighted the fantastic efforts of local Dementia Friends Champions.
At the event held at the National Assembly in Cardiff Bay, Russell George AM met with Gareth Bevan, Area Manager Mid Wales, Boots UK, who was recognised for his commitment to being a Dementia Friend and caring for those affected by Dementia in his local communities within Mid Wales. As a Dementia Friend, Gareth also encourages his team to learn about the initiative and how to be part of a growing network of people creating dementia friendly communities together across Wales.
Mr George was joined by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething AM.
Speaking after the event, Mr George said:
"I was pleased to be able to meet with Gareth Bevan who I have known as being the Manager in Boots Newtown before moving to his new role. I was pleased to celebrate his role as a Dementia Friend and all of the work which he and his Boots UK colleagues do to support those in Mid Wales who are living with, or who are affected by Dementia.
"The event highlighted how the smallest of gestures can make such a difference to families and Gareth can be very proud of how he has embraced this initiative with such energy and is now practising it on a daily basis through his interactions with customers.”
Gareth Bevan, Area Manager Mid Wales, Boots UK said:
“I am proud to be a Dementia Friend and am so pleased to be able to wear my Dementia Friends badge and be part of the wonderful initiative.
All Boots Dementia Friends colleagues wear a badge so that they are easily recognisable as someone who can help make a visit to a store or practice a little easier for those living with, or affected by Dementia. The simple gesture can make a real difference, as having an easily identifiable sign of understanding, can help those living with Dementia to feel at ease and cared for within their community."
Sue Phelps, Director at the Alzheimer’s Society Cymru added:
“The Dementia Friends programme aims to transform the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about the condition. Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is working with businesses and organisations across Wales to create a society where people affected by dementia are able to live in their community without fear or prejudice – together we will create a truly dementia-friendly Wales. Thank you, Boots, for uniting against dementia with us.”