The BBPA and Alzheimer’s Society have today launched a dementia-friendly hospitality initiative, which seeks to promote Dementia Friends to pubs. The Alzheimer’s Society initiative is the biggest ever social action movement to change the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about the condition.
The BBPA will be promoting the charity’s Dementia Friends initiative to pubs across the country, teaching hospitality staff more about what it’s like to live with dementia. So far pub companies including Ei Group, Marston’s, Wadworth, St Austell Brewery and Daniel Bathams have all registered their support for the initiative, equating to more than 6,000 pubs across the UK.
BBPA will be working closely with these pub companies to promote Dementia Friends across their estate and raise awareness of the UK’s biggest killer. An estimated 850,000 people in the UK live with dementia but many aren’t included in their communities and face isolation.
People with dementia have a right to live the lives they choose – by raising awareness amongst pub staff; they can work to support those living with dementia in their community and ensure that pubs continue to provide a great service to all customers.
Since the initiative was launched in 2013, around 2.9 million people have become Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends and there are now over 400 Dementia Friendly Communities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland tackling the stigma around dementia and improving the lives of those affected.
This initiative supports the work of the Tourism Sector Deal, which seeks to make the UK the most accessible tourism destination in Europe by 2025, increasing the number of international disabled visitors by one-third.
The initiative has already been implemented by Wadworth, a BBPA member and pub operator in Wiltshire. As part of Wadworth’s work, 43 people working in and running Wadworth pubs have so far attended the sessions with more to come. The sessions are being organised by Wadworth to ensure that people with dementia and their carers can enjoy their visits to a Wadworth pub and know their needs are better understood.
Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, comments:
“The BBPA looks forward to working closely with Alzheimer’s Society to promote this great initiative which raises awareness of the importance of pub staff understanding what it is like living with dementia. Pubs are at the heart of every community and it is important that they are accessible to everyone living with disabilities. We were pleased to hear the Government’s announcement of a Sector Deal for Tourism which promotes the importance of accessible tourism. We hope that this work with Alzheimer’s Society contributes to this. I and the BBPA team, are all now Dementia Friends.”
Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Society added:
“Dementia isn’t going away – two million people in the UK will be living with it by 2051. But too many people experience loneliness and isolation and don’t have adequate support. By working with the BBPA and delivering Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends sessions, the pub sector will be joining the biggest social action movement in dementia. Equipping people working in the thick of our local communities with information, as well as the confidence to support customers affected by dementia, will do much to ensure that people with dementia feel understood and better included in society.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Adam Beazley, Communications & Campaigns Officer: 020 7627 9155 / 07507 836 708
Nick Lawrie, Digital Communications Manager: 020 7627 9156 / 07824 359013
Notes to editors:
The British Beer & Pub Association is the leading body representing Britain’s brewers and pub companies. The Association is more than a century old and was originally founded as the Brewers’ Society in 1904. Our members account for some 90 per cent of beer brewed in Britain today, and own around 20,000 of the nation’s pubs.
Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity, working tirelessly to challenge perceptions, fund research and improve and provide case and support. To find out more about Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends, visit dementiafriends.org.uk
- Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. We provide information and support, fund research, campaign to improve care and create lasting change for people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Dementia devastates lives. Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 850,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia. By 2021, 1 million people will be living with the condition. This will soar to two million by 2051.
- Dementia deaths are rising year on year and 225,000 will develop dementia this year – that’s one every three minutes.
- Dementia costs the UK economy over £26 billion per year. This is the equivalent of more than £30,000 per person with dementia.
- Alzheimer’s Society funds research into the cause, care, cure and prevention of all types of dementia and has committed to spend at least £150 million on research over the next decade. This includes a £50 million investment in the UK’s first dedicated Dementia Research Institute.
- Until the day we find a cure, Alzheimer’s Society will be here for anyone affected by dementia – wherever they are, whatever they’re going through. Everything we do is informed and inspired by them.
- Let’s take on dementia together. Volunteer. Donate. Campaign for change. Whatever you do, unite with us against dementia.
- Alzheimer’s Society relies on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0330 333 0804 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk.
- Alzheimer’s Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0300 222 11 22 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
- Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @Alzheimerssoc
- Like us on Facebook
- Alzheimer’s Society YouTube channel www.youtube.com/AlzheimersSociety
Press Office: 0207 423 3595 Email: press@alzheimers.org.uk