Local Solicitors complete Dementia Friends Champions Initiative

Nearly a quarter of a million people will develop dementia in the UK this year – and that will increase to more than a million by 2025. It’s against that backdrop that Gotelee Solicitors has further boosted it’s services to those who suffer from the condition by working with the Alzheimer’s Society on its Dementia Friends Champions initiative.

Two of Gotelee’s Lawyers – Nicola Weldon and Rachel Dawson – have completed the Dementia Friends Champion training, which provides an invaluable insight into the illness and how it affects people, and the practical actions that Dementia Friends can take that could help someone with dementia living in their community.

Nicola and Rachel also learnt how to run Dementia Friends Information Sessions to inspire other people to join the initiative and help to create dementia friendly communities.

Nicola, who is an expert in Trusts, Wills and Probate and Lasting Power of Attorney, said: “The training has helped to develop our knowledge about dementia. As a firm we are committed to supporting and helping those living with the condition, and their families, so this insight will make a real difference to so many of our clients.”

The Dementia Friends Champion initiative aims to train volunteers who can then encourage others to learn about the disease and raise awareness and understanding.

Rachel, who specialises in Probate, Wills and Lasting Power of Attorney, added: “I pride myself on providing clear advice and building good rapport with my clients, especially at what can be a very difficult time in their life, and this training will further enhance that relationship.”

Dementia describes different brain disorders that trigger a loss of brain function. These conditions are all usually progressive and eventually severe. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting 62 per cent of those diagnosed. Symptoms of dementia include memory loss, confusion and problems with speech and understanding. Understanding dementia helps those living with and caring for those with dementia to live well.

How can Gotelee help?

At Gotelee we build relationships for life. You may have relatives who can no longer take care of themselves, or you may simply wish to plan ahead.

Our lawyers are considerate when advising mature and discerning clients at any stage of their lives. We value all our clients and wish to ensure they have all the support they and their family need.

We can visit clients at home, hospital or at their residential home. Our offices in Ipswich, Hadleigh, Woodbridge and Felixstowe all have ground floor meeting rooms, ramps and convenient parking.

To speak to Rachel or Nicola, call 01394 388605 or email rachel.dawson@gotelee.co.uk or nicola.weldon@gotelee.co.uk.

Pictured is Rachel Dawson and Nicola Weldon. Photo credit – Roger Barcham at BMS Imaging.