The Capitol was on top form last Saturday evening. A host of stars – including incredibly talented younger performers from The Act to Arts Academy – appeared in the Belle Voci Concert in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. It was a well attended event in aid of a very good cause. With an ageing population we probably all know somebody who is living with one form or other of Dementia which is expected to effect 1 in 14 of us. Last week I was pleased to welcome Sharon Cadman, the “Dementia Friend” Champion from Horsham District Council to my office in Horsham where she trained my team and me to be “Dementia Friends”. The Dementia Friend initiative is run through the Alzheimer’s Society and aims to increase awareness of what is an invisible condition. Short term memory loss is the symptom most often associated with dementia, however this can also arise as a result of a wide variety of completely unrelated conditions. GPs can refer those concerned to specialist memory assessment services and early recognition has significant benefits. For my team and me it was case of learning how best to assist constituents living with dementia. The practical exercises really make you think – try and write out how many individual steps it takes to make a cup of tea. It seems so simple but there are actually dozens. For everyone who is “customer facing” – for example bank staff - learning the signs is critical to helping support customers. Some supermarkets have introduced advertised check outs where customers know they have as much time as they need, reducing stress for all concerned. For businesses wishing to undertake “Dementia Friend” training, please contact HDC or alternatively we would delighted to put you in touch. Prior to Saturday’s concert I enjoyed, as did many others, despite the drizzle, an excellent Fete at Horsham Hospital. The damp also did nothing to diminish the enthusiasm of the 4th Horsham Scouts who had invited me to meet them at their Spring Camp. Congratulations to all concerned who were clearly having a great time in what really was not campfire weather!