FIREFIGHTERS in Gloucestershire are being offered special dementia care training.

The move is part of an initiative by Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) to raise awareness of dementia across the whole community.

A recent training event was held for firefighters to talk through the role they play within the community and to fully understand the impact of dementia.

The evening session, held last week, was led by Dementia Friends, which is an Alzheimer’s Society initiative.

Chief fire officer Wayne Bowcock said: ‘We are ensuring that all staff are aware of this important dementia initiative.

"The event was about making staff more aware of dementia, how it can affect people, and how we can behave around them to help with their condition.

Cllr Dave Norman, cabinet member for public protection, parking and libraries, said: "In 2015 the service signed the Government’s Dementia Pledge which is designed to improve the safety of people living with dementia.

"We trained twelve fire fighters as Dementia Link Workers (DCLs) and worked with community and focus groups, including carers and those living with dementia to design and create bespoke fire safety information specifically for those living with memory impairment.

"These are unique to Gloucestershire and are available free of charge across the county."

More sessions will be rolled out across GFRS with the help of watch manager Roger Pickett.

He said: “My aim is to increase empathy and understanding about dementia."

"I have met with schools, colleges, and businesses to deliver this course to help people to spot dementia and understand how best to deal with it.”

Organisations which are interested in the dementia awareness course can contact roger.pickett@glosfire.gov.uk