STAFF at Specsavers in Burnham-on-Sea have become more dementia aware after completing dementia training.

Specsavers employees nationwide have made an effort to better understand the needs of customers suffering from the condition by completing Dementia Friends training through an initiative run by the Alzheimers Society.

Staff at the Burnham-on-Sea store are now wearing badges on their uniforms to indicate their increased level dementia awareness to customers.

Rama Venkat, store director of Specsavers in Burnham-on-Sea said: "Being more aware of dementia is an incredibly positive development for our team and our offering to customers.

"I always thought dementia was all to do with someone’s memory – but it is much more than that.

"By uncovering the truth about dementia it really opened my eyes to how at Specsavers, when performing our daily duties, we can all take a little time to support and care.’ The training covers all aspects of dementia and discusses how it affects people in different ways including how senses like hearing and sight can be affected.

Samantha Jessop, learning and development manager for Specsavers said: "By providing dementia awareness training we are taking necessary steps to equip all colleagues with the necessary skills to support all of our customers and continue to provide the same excellent service that we pride ourselves upon, regardless of the personal struggles any of our customers may be facing.

" I’m delighted we are now offering this as part of our core training offer."

As the nation marks Dementia Awareness Week (15-21 May), the team at Specsavers in Burnham-on-Sea is becoming qualified to better understand the needs of customers suffering from dementia.

Specsavers is also urging anyone over the age of 55 to undergo regular hearing tests as research suggests that people with untreated hearing loss are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s.

Hearing tests at Specsavers stores are free nationwide.