Bus drivers and other Bee Network frontline staff are to receive dementia awareness training as part of plans to make public transport more accessible in Greater Manchester.
Already hundreds of employees have begun the training programme rolled out by the Alzheimer’s Society.
The learning path will be extended to around 540 staff by the end of this year.
It forms part of Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM’s) plans to mark UK Disability History Month, and the transport authority is also working with Disability Design Reference Group and Breakthrough UK.
TfGM is aiming to integrate dementia training into Driver CPC in conjunction with the DVSA.
DVSA Chief Executive Loveday Ryder says: “We welcome this important training being introduced by Bee Network to support people with dementia.
“We’re delighted to support this initiative – and welcome the commitment to incorporate this into Driver CPC training for bus drivers.
“This training will ensure that staff have the skills to support people with dementia with dignity, patience and understanding.”
Greater Manchester Transport Commissioner Vernon Everitt adds: “Making the Bee Network accessible and inclusive for everyone is critical. Many people living with dementia rely on public transport to maintain their independence and connection to their community, but they may need extra support to make their journeys.
“That’s why we’ve committed to all Bee Network frontline staff completing dementia awareness training and are making good progress in rolling it out. It will help our colleagues spot the signs of someone who might need help and equip them with the knowledge and confidence to step in and provide that vital support at a time when it might be needed most.
“By the end of the year, all the Bee Network’s frontline staff will have completed the Alzheimer’s Society training and we’re working with the bus operators and the DVSA to ensure that our bus drivers receive the training too.”
