Two initiatives connected with Wainwrights Yard are helping to increase understanding of dementia and make practical support more accessible to people living with the condition, their families and carers.<

Booths is expanding its partnership with Home Instead South Lakes to help create a more dementia-friendly shopping experience across its stores.

The partnership began with a single training session for Booths shop assistants and has since developed into a wider collaboration, with Home Instead providing free dementia training to Booths colleagues across the region.

The training is designed to give staff the skills and confidence to better understand and support customers living with dementia.

Rachel Sanders, Group Operations Manager for Home Instead South Lakes and North Lakes, said: “Dementia-friendly communities don’t happen by accident; they happen when local businesses like Booths take the time to understand and support the people they serve every day.”

Home Instead will also begin hosting pop-up information stands in Booths stores to raise awareness and provide information about the support available to people living with dementia and their families.

A helping hand: new free dementia support resources at the Lions Bookshop

Tucked away at the back of the bookshop, there’s a specially curated, wall-mounted display filled with an expanding collection of free dementia support information and practical guides. Designed to offer immediate, everyday help to families and caregivers, this dedicated hub makes accessing reliable advice easier than ever. Anyone is welcome to drop in and pick up these invaluable materials completely free of charge.

The information sheets and booklets are highly practical and designed to tackle real-world challenges. Visitors can pick up individual information sheets, including visual prompt cards to place around the home, or creative guides on how to make and use comforting “twiddle muffs.” For those managing nutrition, the display also features specialized booklets on cooking for individuals living with dementia.

These booklets offer complete meal plans, recipes, and crucial advice on adapting meals for different textured diets. This wonderful initiative is fully funded by the Lions’ fundraising efforts and brought to life by the many hours of hard work volunteered by Dementia Awareness Officer Lion Liz.