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Dartford Borough Council Announces Ground-breaking Initiative with Kent Charity of the Year Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services to Make the Town Dementia Inclusive 

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services (ADSS), the leading charity for dementia care in Kent, is thrilled to announce the launch of a ground-breaking initiative that will transform Dartford into a Dementia inclusive community. Thanks to a new partnership and funding support from Dartford Borough Council, local businesses, retailers, charities, and community organisations will receive FREE Dementia Awareness training to help make public spaces safer and more welcoming for those living with dementia. This initiative is a transformative step in making Dartford’s bustling High Street and shopping centres more welcoming for those living with dementia. 

With dementia affecting over 850,000 people in the UK, and that number set to rise, This ambitious initiative is a critical part of ADSS’s ongoing mission to empower communities and improve lives for individuals affected by dementia. 

The need for inclusive and supportive environments has never been more pressing. Dartford is taking the lead by creating an environment where those affected by dementia can feel safe, respected, and supported when shopping, dining, or using local services. 

Through this project, ADSS will provide businesses and public-facing organisations with expert training and tailored guidance to ensure that those living with dementia can navigate Dartford’s High Street and shopping centres with confidence and comfort. Participating businesses will receive practical tools to make simple yet impactful adjustments—ranging from improved signage to staff training—that create a more dementia-friendly environment. 

Sarah Taylor, Head of Quality and Development at ADSS, praised the initiative, stating, “Research shows that 1 in 4 people with dementia give up shopping post-diagnosis, and around 63% believe shops aren’t doing enough to help people with this condition.  We are so pleased to work with Dartford Borough Council and Dartford businesses, including shopping centres and high street shops, to ensure that those affected by dementia are more confident in shopping. The training and support we will be providing to the staff of those businesses will ensure people affected by dementia have a positive experience when they are shopping in Dartford”.  

Jeremy Kite, Dartford Borough Council Leader said, “I’m delighted that the Council is partnering with ADSS on this very important piece of work. We’re committed to taking the essential steps to make Dartford a dementia friendly town, where anyone with the condition can expect to be treated with the right consideration and understanding when shopping here.” 

What ADSS Offers: 

• FREE Dementia Awareness Training: Specialised training to help businesses and organisations understand dementia and make practical changes that improve the shopping and service experience for affected individuals. 

• Inclusive Public Spaces: Guidance on how to make physical spaces easier to navigate for those with dementia, from clearer signage to reducing disorienting noise. 

• Ongoing Support: ADSS will provide resources, advice, and recognition to businesses that commit to being dementia-friendly, showcasing their dedication to inclusivity. 

Why Local Businesses Should Get Involved: 

• Make a Meaningful Impact: By participating in this free training, businesses can make a real difference in the lives of individuals affected by dementia, enabling them to live more independently. 

• Be a Part of Positive Change: Businesses that become dementia-friendly will play a vital role in creating a community where everyone feels safe, welcome, and understood 
• Enhanced Customer Experience: By catering to the needs of those with dementia, businesses will boost their reputation and become recognised as inclusive, compassionate establishments.