The organiser of a dementia awareness meeting held for Tring businesses has expressed his disappointment after just one person turned up – out of a possible 140.
Chairman of Dementia Friends Tring John Allan held a meeting in the High Street Baptist Church at 6.30pm on Sunday evening specifically for the town’s retailers, as part of the latest step towards Tring’s dementia-friendly status.
But despite personally inviting 140 local businesses by letter, the turnout was less than encouraging.
He said: “I am disappointed that only one person turned up, but maybe the day and time were wrong, so I would be interested to hear from Tring retailers as to what a suitable timing would be.”
The meeting’s aim was to encourage local businesses, such as dentists, hairdressers and opticians, to understand the needs of those suffering from dementia.
Janet Goodyer was the only one to attend, and represented the town’s Chapel Street branch of Lloyds Pharmacy.
She said: “It’s a great shame that no one else turned up. Either they already know about dementia or are too scared to find out more.”
Janet, an accredited checking technician, said the aim of the meeting was to raise awareness and to help the town’s businesses to understand the brain function of those with memory loss.
She said: “Different people have different levels of it, and we’re trying to be their friend and be more understanding.
Are you one of the Tring businesses that John approached? If so, contact him on 01442 824494 or email johnsallan@yahoo.com to discuss a more suitable time.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, July 25, at 7pm in the High Street Baptist Church, and will have five speakers from different organisations.
John said: “Representatives will be there from the Alzheimer’s Society, NHS Mental Health Trust, Age UK and Mind, so it should be a very good evening.”