Orbit has announced the launch of new Alzheimer’s Society dementia awareness training for colleagues across the organisation, reinforcing its commitment to providing inclusive, compassionate support for customers.
Through Alzheimer’s Society’s ‘Train the Trainer’ programme, Orbit has created a network of trained colleagues who can share best practice and promote greater awareness of dementia across the organisation.
By having this specialist training in-house and accredited by the CPD Certification Service, Orbit aims to equip colleagues with the knowledge and confidence to better understand and respond to the needs of customers living with dementia.
The initiative recognises the importance of understanding the lived experience of people with a dementia diagnosis, ensuring Orbit teams are better prepared to offer meaningful, tailored support.
Mahri Hanrahan, Area Neighbourhood Manager for Orbit who is leading the initiative said: “Understanding what our customers are going through is essential to delivering the right support. The knowledge and skills gained through Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia training will help us build that understanding across our teams, ensuring that we can respond with compassion and confidence. By bringing this training in-house, we can reach more colleagues and embed these skills into everyday interactions – ultimately helping us provide better support for customers living with dementia and their families.”
The training scheme will play an important role in supporting Orbit’s wider 2030 strategy ambition to provide amongst the best customer experience of any housing association, including meeting commitments around inclusion and accessibility to ensure every customer feels understood, respected, and supported.
Phil Andrew, Group Chief Executive for Orbit and Trustee for Alzheimer’s Society added: “For me personally, this is something I care deeply about. I spent over a decade as a carer for my mum and step-father, and I’m honoured to serve on the board of Alzheimer’s Society. In the work we do every day, we’re supporting our customers in their homes and communities and dementia can have a significant impact not just on individuals, but on families and wider communities too. That’s why this awareness matters. The way we respond, communicate and support can make a real difference to someone’s independence, confidence and overall experience.”
Chris Larkin, Executive Director of Dementia Support and Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We’d like to thank Orbit for taking the time to train its staff to deliver high-quality dementia training. Around one million people in the UK are living with dementia and it will take a society to create a future where it no longer devastates lives. Every contribution from our supporters takes us one step closer to this goal.
“If anyone would like to learn more about dementia and our training services, please do visit Alzheimer’s Society’s website.”