TWO of our Streets Ahead partners are working together on a project which will help fire crews understand the needs of people with dementia.

City Building apprentices recently refurbished a section of the Scottish Fire and Rescue training area, creating a ‘mock’ one-bedroom house.

It will allow crews to be trained on the installation and use of alarms for people with dementia and similar conditions.

The apprentices worked hard on a variety of projects, including electrical installation, kitchen and bathroom fittings, installing ceilings and walls, and decorating throughout.

They also installed double glazing and new front and back doors.

Dr Graham Paterson, executive director of City Building LLP said: “We have a track record of supporting the communities in which we live and work as well as supporting our young people develop their career skills.

“This project was incredibly important for us to be a part of as not only did our apprentices get the experience of working side by side with Scotland’s Fire and Rescue Service, the Fire Service now has the facilities to train their recruits, as well as vulnerable people within the community.”

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is involved with initiatives across Scotland offering assistance to those living with dementia, as well as the wider group of older people.

Ninety-thousand people in Scotland suffer from some form of dementia, a condition which can cause memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. The majority of sufferers are elderly people although nearly 3000 are under the age of 65.

It is important people living with dementia are offered maximum protection from fire and SFRS is able to provide safety advice, fit smoke alarms, and direct individuals and families to other agencies who can assist with dementia related issues.

Over three-quarters of people in Scotland know somebody who is living with dementia and the Fire Service often relies on these people to get in contact for help in the first instance.

Alzheimer Scotland in partnership with NHS Education for Scotland, NHS Health Scotland and the Scottish Social Services Council, have launched Scotland’s Dementia Awards which aim to celebrate and recognise projects and the people behind them who are going the extra mile to support people living with dementia and their families across Scottish communities.

There are six categories - Best Acute Care Initiative, Best Community Support Initiative, Best Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, Best Educational Initiative, Best Innovation in Continuing Care and Most Innovative Partnership., plus a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The winners will be announced at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel on September 21, World Alzheimer’s Day.

People and projects can enter the Awards at www.ScotlandsDementiaAwards.org.uk. Entries must be received by 5pm on March 31.