A LUXURY retailer has committed to become dementia-friendly by having staff trained in spotting the signs of a person in distress.

Nineteen team members at Fenwick in Colchester were trained by Robert Wallace, a Dementia Friends champion from Frinton.

It was one event Mr Wallace hosted during Dementia Awareness Week under the initiative to make Colchester a dementia-friendly town.

Mr Wallace, 52, said: "The idea is to help people with dementia feel relaxed so if members of staff see someone fumbling and getting into difficulty, they will be able to help.

"What's frightening is everyone knows someone affected by these two conditions.

"Unlike a broken leg where you can see the plaster, someone with dementia looks just like everyone else as there are no outward symptoms, but inside they're disorientated.

"Plus you don't have to be old to have dementia - it affects all ages."

One in six people over the age of 80 have dementia.

By 2051 it is expected two-million people will develop the disease in the UK.

Despite the help available, Mr Wallace feels not everyone is ready to accept it.

He added: "Part of the problem is people are reluctant to get help because of the stigma but they shouldn't be because dementia is a brain disease."

Bluebird Care, in Elmstead Market, has sponsored Mr Wallace to carry out sessions across Essex.

This latest initiative was shared by Dementia Action Alliance, Bluebird Care and Dementia Friends.

If you are interested in hosting a session, call Robert Wallace on 07815700365 or Sophie Gilders at Bluebird Care on 01206 827605.