Dementia awareness training across Richmondshire

The district's licensed taxi drivers have been trained in dementia awareness. Trainer Fiona Andrews said training is important for giving taxi drivers confidence helping people with dementia safely maintain independence. She added: "A client's daughter revealed her father had become fixated on returning to his home town in the Midlands. He had approached a Richmond taxi driver with the request. Thankfully the driver declined the fare, but he might not have done so if the request had been to take him to Darlington, the man would have been alone in the town.

"Dementia can hinder people from accessing support when they need it the most. Being able to get out and about is essential for some, and the local taxi service can become a lifeline. Knowing that the taxi company have had training and will understand the issues of living with dementia is reassuring for families."