LAW firm Rix and Kay is encouraging other organisations in Brighton to become Dementia Friendly.

It is offering specialist Information Sessions to the many businesses it works with.

Rix and Kay has teamed up with Brighton and Hove Dementia Action Alliance, hosted by Age UK Brighton and Hove,.

It has become one of the first organisations in Brighton to engage all their staff through the Dementia Friends Information Sessions.

It means all staff have a better understanding of dementia, how it may affect a person and what actions they can take to support and make it easier for individuals living with dementia and their families to access its services.

It has been awarded the Dementia Friendly Kite mark.

Amanda Attrell, a Dementia Friends Champion who leads the Later Life Team, said: “I’m one of two Dementia Friends Champions at Rix and Kay.

“This means I’m a trained volunteer who can provide information sessions which aim to increase understanding of dementia and inspire people to take action to help support people affected by dementia in their community.

“The sessions are free and last no longer than an hour.”

Brighton and Hove Dementia Action Alliance has been awarded the Dementia Friendly kite mark for ‘working to help Brighton & Hove become a Dementia Friendly Community.

This follows a huge effort by the Dementia Action Alliance to raise awareness through a wide range of community-based initiatives.

Last week the Alliance was joined by Brighton Mayor Mo Marsh and Peter Field, Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, for the opening of the Memory Moments café at the Bevy Community Pub.

The initiative encourages those living with dementia to enjoy everyday and routine activities like going out for a coffee.

Matthew Moors, who leads Brighton and Hove Dementia Action Alliance, said: “It’s brilliant to see our projects making a real difference and our new Dementia Cafes have been a huge success.

“Other projects have used film, music and drama to help celebrate the lives of people living with dementia and we have also delivered an extensive programme of dementia awareness raising workshops for businesses and organisations.

“As well as all this, we are starting a chess club at Age UK Brighton and Hove to look at helping reduce cognitive decline and reduce isolation.

“There are more than 2,800 people living with dementia in Brighton and Hove.

“Sometimes something as simple as going to the bank can be a daunting prospect so the professional community needs to do more to accommodate and make it easier for those that are living with dementia.

“The work we have already done and attaining the kite mark for the city has been a great achievement and Brighton and Hove should be very proud.

“People need more support to accommodate their everyday needs.”