STAFF at a family-run farm shop in Somerset have completed training to ensure they can provide a dementia-friendly experience for visitors who need it.

The team members at Rumwell Farm Shop on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington received the training from the dementia charity, Reminiscence Learning, which is one of its charities of the year.

Anne Mitchell, joint owner of the award-winning farm shop, said: “Our customer service is a top priority for us and as we are supporting Reminiscence Learning this year, we thought it only right that our staff receives this special training to ensure they can cater for anyone with dementia who might visit us and ensure they have the same experience here that everyone has.

“We’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to the Reminiscence Learning team for providing the training, which was designed to help with people coming into our shop and café and looking at ways in which we can make those with dementia feel safe.

“We identified things people with dementia recognise, such as the Reminiscence Learning mascot, Archie, exit signs, and arrows to help with navigation and consistent flooring types.

“We learnt that those with the condition also have a depth perception issue. So, for example, they might step onto a different type of flooring and feel like they might fall.

“We learnt so much during the training and our staff are already putting everything into practice, and we are continually looking at what we can improve to help those with dementia.”

Reminiscence Learning was founded in 2001 by Fiona Mahoney, an occupational therapist with experience in physical and mental health.

The charity, based in Wellington, has grown and changed in response to individual and community needs. It now specialises in dementia care, activity, and reminiscence.

Fiona Mahoney said: “The staff were very interested and engaged throughout the training and they have already acted on their newfound knowledge.

“They are proudly displaying the dementia-friendly logos in the window, and I know all their staff will make everyone in the community feel comfortable.

“Our team is available to visit businesses to provide the training, so anyone interested should get in touch.”