THE AIREDALE shopping centre is aiming to become an official dementia-friendly zone.

Staff at the Keighley centre are undergoing special training to make them aware of the needs of those with the brain disease.

They hope to help people suffering memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving and language.

Shop staff will learn how to understand the extra needs that some customers have if they appear confused when they reach the till.

The initiative has been welcomed by local woman Beryl Oates, whose 72-year-old husband Tony has been diagnosed with the condition.

She said that a dementia friendly zone would make it easier for them to continue their daily lives.

She said: “Somebody with dementia needs a little more time and understanding, especially when they are looking for change to pay, or remembering what they need to buy, when everybody around them is busy rushing everywhere.

“The shopping centre is a big place, and sometimes he’s not sure about where he’s parked the car, where we’ve agreed to meet or simply the difference between his right and left.

“It’s good to know that if staff at the centre see him looking a little lost or confused, they have the time – and knowledge - to help him.”

Keighley is being targeted by the Alzheimer’s Society as the first stage of its bid to turn all of Bradford district into a dementia-friendly area, and has won the backing of Bradford Council.

Airedale centre manager Steve Seymour hopes his premises will be accredited by the society as working towards becoming dementia-friendly, thanks to the training and awareness-raising sessions for staff and shoppers.

Shops will display special stickers in their windows to give people with dementia the confidence to enter.

Mr Seymour said: “We aim to provide those living with the condition, whether it’s somebody who has been diagnosed or their carers, with an enhanced level of customer support.

“Dementia is a hidden condition, and it’s not always obvious if you don’t know the person, especially in the early stages.

“The numbers of those diagnosed are steadily growing and it’s something that every business needs to consider in their dealings with customers.”

Airedale Shopping Centre has been working closely with the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friendly Communities Co-ordinator Cathy Henwood, running the awareness-raising sessions for staff, holding Dementia Friends sessions in the mall, and fund-raising for the charity.

Call 01274 733880 or visit alzheimers.org.uk for further information about the Alzheimer’s Society.