Lancashire Constabulary is uniting against dementia during Dementia Awareness Week after being recognised for its commitment to supporting people living with dementia. It has pledged to raise awareness across the force to ensure that staff and officers have a greater understanding of dementia and its effects on individuals and their families.

The constabulary has developed an overarching action plan which has been approved by Alzheimer's Society during its United Against Dementia campaign.
The plan, which aims to work towards full dementia friendly status, has already included a number of initiatives; delivery of awareness sessions by 20 dementia champions across the force, as well as working with partners to introduce the Guardian Angels/Dementia buddies scheme and the launch of the dementia buddy tag.

In addition, it ran a pilot scheme, called the Preston Banking Protocol, whereby staff at eight banks were trained by officers in how to prevent vulnerable adults from becoming victims of financial abuse and fraud. As part of this scheme, Age UK Lancashire also provided dementia training to the bank staff and will be providing further on-going support.

Working with the Dementia Action Alliance, Lancashire Police Geographic Inspectors, alongside multi-agency partners, have also been instrumental in the setting up of dementia friendly communities in Rossendale, Hyndburn, Burnley and Morecambe.

Inspector Christina Shorrock said: "The most common point of contact police officers and staff have with people with dementia is when they are experiencing a crisis. However, they may also be a victim, witness or perpetrator of crime. Effective partnership working and improved knowledge and awareness are key to ensuring an appropriate police response in all situations.

"The action plan is only the start of our activity which will be on-going and is testament to our commitment."

Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw said: "I am delighted to see that the dementia plan is being rolled out across Lancashire Constabulary during Dementia Awareness Week.

"At a time where many key services have been cut, it's important for frontline workers and partners to work together to be able to recognise the signs of Dementia and Alzheimer's.

"One of my key priorities is supporting vulnerable people and victims to prevent them from becoming victims of crime and as a result of this dementia-friendly scheme the key priority is clearly being supported.

"The commitment that Lancashire Constabulary and key partners have shown is fantastic and the action plan is a great initiative."

Andrew Ball, senior dementia friendly communities officer said: "I am really pleased Lancashire Police has now become our 250th Dementia Friendly Community at Alzheimer's Society. The police play a very important role in keeping people with dementia safe and in turn giving them and their families the confidence to remaining an active part of the community. I look forward to a great partnership and truly Uniting Against Dementia."