A one-off event highlighting the impact of the workplace on carers and the growing issues caused by dementia on employees and customers has received support from the Chair of Swindon’s top business representative forum.

Nicky Alberry, who heads Influence in the town, is encouraging local employers to attend Carers and Dementia: what employers need to know which takes place at Arval UK in Windmill Hill on 7th October. The event is managed by the Swindon Mindful Employer Network and includes guest speakers from the Alzheimer’s Society, Swindon Carers Centre and Home Instead Senior Care with guest interviewer Cormac MacMahon who is News Editor of Heart FM.

Nicky says of her support for the awareness session: “I want to see Swindon businesses and employers get behind this initiative and send representatives to this event at Arval. Dementia is becoming an important issue to employers as we all live and work longer than previous generations – and this impacts on our people and our customers. We should not lose sight of the essential role that work plays in supporting carers in our society and particularly those looking after family members with dementia. This will be a fascinating morning and I urge employers to book a place at this free event as soon as possible.”

Melanie Richens, who is Chair of the Swindon Mindful Employer Network, said: “We are grateful to Nicky and the Influence board for their support and look forward to welcoming delegates to this important event in October. The Swindon Mindful Employer Network remains one of the best attended business groups in Swindon which proves that mental health and well-being issues remain a top priority for employers in the town.”

Influence is the organization that acts as Swindon’s collective business voice. Its role is to ensure that the business community’s concerns, issues and aspirations are heard and understood by local and regional decision-makers.

Influence’s purpose is to engage with those who make decisions that affect the private sector, and help bring about developments that will make the local economy more viable and vibrant for everyone. Many of these changes relate to the Swindon and Wiltshire LEP’s priorities of inward investment, stimulating growth, economic infrastructure and job creation, education and skills.

The Swindon Mindful Employer Network is managed locally by Swindon Mind and funded by Public Health at Swindon Borough Council.

Places for this event are available for representatives of Swindon Employers only. Booking is essential.

For more information about this event please contact: smen@swindonmind.org