An opticians has teamed up with a dementia charity to help their staff develop a better understanding to support their customers.

Specsavers in north Finchley is supporting Dementia Friends, an initiative from the Alzheimer's Society, to help support their customers and employees affected by the condition and train up staff to better understand dementia.

Six employees have completely a dementia awareness programme and are recognised Dementia Friends, and will wear a badge on their uniforms to increase awareness in store.

Store director Neha Shah said: "I always thought dementia was all to do with someone’s memory – but it is much more than that.

"By uncovering the truth about dementia it really opened my eyes to how, when performing our daily duties, we can all take a little time to support and care.

"Being more aware of dementia is an incredibly positive development for our team and our offering to customers."

The comprehensive training covers all aspects of dementia and discusses how it affects people in different ways, with relevance to the opticians as it describes how senses can be affected, including sight and hearing.