A LAW firm has set a goal to become 'Dementia Champions' by offering awareness sessions to its staff in support of charity.

BHP Law, which has a branch in Darlington, has chosen The Alzheimer’s Society as its charity of the year.

The company aims to support the charity through fundraising, spreading awareness and ensuring staff have the latest information on the disease.

As part of the process, two members of the team have qualified officially as Dementia Champions and are planning to host Dementia Friends Information Sessions for colleagues.

Solicitor Holly Naylor and Litigation Executive Rosie Woodward both attended a Dementia Champions session after which they were approved by the assessor and can now run in-house information sessions, at the end of which attendees will become Dementia Friends.

Ms Naylor said having more awareness of the condition will help her carry out her daily job.

She said: “Working in the wills, trusts and probate team I often work closely with those living with dementia.

"Having the tools and confidence to inform others of the disease will help me to work closely and support both those living with Dementia and their families.”

Ms Woodward added: “With so many people being affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, both directly and indirectly, it is an honour to be part of a growing initiative to give people the confidence to openly discuss what has been considered a taboo subject for many years.”

The pair are also offering to host awareness sessions for other local organisations and companies to help spread awareness about the work of The Alzheimer’s Society.

The sessions for staff of BHP Law will be held in Darlington and Durham throughout September.

The firm will follow them with its first fundraising event in aid of the charity – a Memory Walk, which will be open to BHP staff, family and friends.

Donations made via a JustGiving page will be match-funded by the firm.