BUSINESSES in Horwich have created the first dementia-friendly community in the borough.

A total of 40 local firms attended the launch of a pilot scheme to pledge their support to Bolton Council’s Dementia Action Alliance at the Macron Stadium.

Dementia friendly schemes are focussed on providing extra support to enable people with the condition to participate in everyday tasks such as shopping, socialising or using public transport with the support of the wider community.

Bolton's Dementia Action Alliance will include a network of businesses, organisations and community individuals who want to improve the lives of people affected by dementia.

Businesses who have signed up to the pilot scheme will help to raise awareness amongst employees when dealing with members of the public who have dementia, plus receive practical advice on how to improve customers’ experience.

Changes can also be implemented to make a positive impact, including improving accessibility, having clear signage, installing sympathetic lighting and creating a quiet space.

Deputy Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Linda Thomas, said: "Nationally the number of people living with dementia is rising all the time and in Bolton, we anticipate that within the next 10 years we will see the number of cases rise by 30 per cent. Consequently, it is crucial that we work together as a community to ensure that people with dementia are supported to continue to live well.

"It can only be a positive thing for a business to become dementia friendly as making the right changes can generate more custom and improve their standing in the community, so we are delighted that so many organisations in Horwich were eager to get involved."

Employees can also undergo specialist training to become a Dementia Friends Champion and share new-found knowledge with the workforce in a bid to improve customer service.

In addition to the 40 signed up businesses, a further 35 have also expressed an interest in getting involved in the scheme.

Last year, the Bolton News launched the Donate £1 for Dementia campaign which aims to raise £200,000 to make wards at the Royal Bolton Hospital more dementia-friendly.