Thousands of transport staff across Greater Manchester to receive dementia awareness training

TfGM has been in discussion with the Alzheimer’s Society about how best to raise awareness amongst staff

Thousands of frontline transport staff are set to receive dementia awareness training as part of move intended to make the Bee Network more inclusive and accessible.

Following an approach by local campaigner Dr Joy Watson, TfGM has been in discussion with the Alzheimer’s Society – one of its corporate charities about how best to raise awareness amongst staff to ensure they are able to provide help and support to people with lived experience of dementia when needed.

Now, a programme of training, delivered by the charity is set to be rolled out to around 3,500 staff working on the Bee Network, including drivers, customer service and security staff working on Metrolink, at travelshops, bus stations and interchanges and the Bee Network contact centre.

Salford resident Joy, said: “I live with dementia, and travelling is very important to me.  I recognise that not everyone is as mobile as me, and that some people lack the confidence to venture out, but the plans we have may help people with a disability enjoy visiting places in Greater Manchester, and hopefully further afield.

“I am looking forward to working with Transport for Greater Manchester and the Bee Network operators and believe that if we improve travel for people affected by dementia, anyone with a disability will benefit.

“This training gives the staff an opportunity to show kindness and consideration to those of us who just want to keep our independence for as long as we can. We need to be kind and considerate to the people we rub shoulders with, be it the person sitting next to us on the bus, or the driver who has a responsibility to get us to our destination safely.”

Around one in 11 people over the age of 65 have dementia in the UK, with that age group accounting for around one in six trips made on the bus and tram network in Greater Manchester.

Greater Manchester Transport Commissioner, Vernon Everitt, said: “Joy is doing a brilliant job in raising awareness of dementia, which affects the lives of so many people, their families and friends. 

“Having a safe transport system that is accessible and inclusive for everyone is a fundamental element in building the Bee Network. Thanks to Joy, thousands of staff who are working hard across Greater Manchester to help people get to where they need to go will receive this vital training.

“I’d like to thank all of our operators for backing this action, which will ensure staff become more aware of the needs of people living with dementia. It will help them spot the signs of someone who might need help and have the knowledge and confidence to step-in and provide that vital support at a time when it might be needed most.”

Training of all staff is expected to be delivered over the coming year. It will give staff an understanding of dementia, helping them to recognise signs and symptoms and equip them to respond to the emotional needs of a person with dementia.