Solicitor becomes a champion for Dementia Friends programme

A specialist solicitor has been named as a Dementia Friends Champion – as part of a nationwide initiative to improve understanding of the condition and create four million Dementia Friends by 2020.

Rebecca Minto, of Preston-based Birchall Blackburn Law, specialises in all aspects of Wills, tax planning and probate and has joined the Alzheimer’s Society scheme to try and make a difference to people living with Dementia.

The voluntary role will see Rebecca work to encourage others to sign up to be a Dementia Friend, by giving them information about the personal impact of the condition and what they can do to help.

A Dementia Friend is somebody who, after learning more about the condition, turns that understanding into action, by telling friends about it and supporting people with dementia.

On Friday, August 12, Rebecca will run her first Dementia Friends Information Session in Lytham. Taking place at Lytham Court Nursing Home, the event aims to provide support to family members and friends of people living in the home.

Rebecca said: “Becoming a Dementia Friends Champion was something I felt was important and relevant, especially because of the work I do as a private client solicitor. I encounter older adults on a daily basis and with dementia on the rise, it compliments that work.

“It also opens your eyes to the effect of dementia on the person, allowing you to better understand them, and turn that understanding into action.

“I hope the information session I’m running will be the first of many and eventually more people will have a better understanding of Dementia and the support people need.”To find out more about the scheme visit: https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/