THE Dementia Friendly Community [DFC] in Tonbridge will be hosting a meeting of local businesses to address the issue of financial abuse of those who live with the condition.
The Information & Advice, Scamming & Financial Services event is free and will be held at Tonbridge Juddians Rugby Club at The Slade on March 7 from 5pm-7.30pm.
Kent Police & Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott will launch the campaign, which is run in association with Trading Standards who developed the programme nationally.
Chris Parker, Chair of Tonbridge DFC, says: ‘Each year thousands of pounds are taken from older and vulnerable people all over the UK.
‘By working together, we can help reduce the amount of money being scammed out of our local residents. Those living with dementia are particularly susceptible.’
She adds: ‘This event offers the opportunity to learn more about how easy it is to fall prey to scams and how we can all take action to help prevent people suffering financial loss and emotional harm.
‘There will also be dementia awareness information and why its symptoms leave people living with these diseases particularly at risk.’
Tonbridge & Malling MP Tom Tugendhat has backed the initiative and says: ‘I know we all want to make Tonbridge as welcoming, inclusive and safe as possible for the vulnerable. It’s good for all of us and good for business.’
He added: ‘Financial abuse to those with dementia can be particularly devastating, and I’d like to invite local businesses and organisations offering financial services, cashback, or cash transactions of any form, or who, by virtue of what you do, can help uncover such abuse.’
The objective is to help frontline staff to spot tell-tale signs where vulnerable people with dementia are being taking advantage of, and to know what to do when they see it happening.
For more information, contact Chris Parker on 07887 553 467/01732 360 328, or email chris@abbeyfs.co.uk
