Thirty-five professionals have gathered to gain a better understanding of how dementia impacts people, both professionally and personally.

Regional law firm Gardner Leader, which has an office in Swindon, held the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends training event at its Newbury office.

The Alzheimer's Society reports one in three people born in the UK today will experience dementia at some point in their lives.

Currently, around one million people are living with the condition, a figure that is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040.

The session, led by Sarah Swift from the Alzheimer's Society, saw participants guided through the official Dementia Friends programme, which is part of the charity's national campaign aimed at changing the way people think, act, and talk about the condition.

Hannah Wallbridge, senior associate at Gardner Leader (left) and Sarah Swift, from the Alzheimer’s Society (right)Hannah Wallbridge, senior associate at Gardner Leader (left) and Sarah Swift, from the Alzheimer’s Society (right) (Image: Gardner Leader) Ms Swift said: "Dementia Friends is about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help people affected.

"At Alzheimer's Society we're working towards a world where the condition no longer devastates lives.

"We do this by giving help to those living with dementia today and providing hope for the future.

"We believe passionately that life doesn't end when dementia begins, however only 23 per cent of people are confident that they understand the condition and how it affects people.

"We need to shed light on the hidden realities of dementia, bring it out from behind closed doors and make it the priority it deserves to be."

Hannah Wallbridge, senior associate in Gardner Leader's wills, probate, and estate planning team, added: "We are delighted with the success of our Dementia Friends training session held in partnership with Alzheimer's Society.

"The event brought together professionals in the local area to provide valuable knowledge on the condition and how to properly support customers and clients affected by dementia.

"Understanding how dementia influences daily life is crucial to providing compassion and support that gives clients and their loved ones peace of mind."

Rowan Frayling, managing director of J Finance Ltd, who attended the event, described it as a "very informative and useful workshop that has aided my understanding of the challenges faced by those living with dementia and how we as a company can better assist clients and their families".

Gardner Leader has been a part of the Thames Valley community for more than 125 years, with offices in Newbury, Thatcham and Maidenhead.

The firm also has offices across the south of the country, including London, Windsor, and Oxford, as well as Swindon.

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