Back in 2019, when LOPF launched the Age and Dementia Friendly Business Scheme we had in mind the type of organisation we wanted to target: GP surgeries, supermarkets, transport hubs… Places that provide essential day-to-day services to older people and people living with dementia. Places that could adapt their services to ensure they were as accessible and welcoming as possible for our ageing population. Older people and those living with dementia had told us that a few small changes could make all the difference.

One of the sectors we had on our hit list was legal firms. Lawyers often cater for many people who are older or living with dementia on wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, court of protection, dealing with estates or care funding.

Seven law firms across Leeds have now signed up to be Age and Dementia Friendly businesses. Each has a set of strong commitments to ensure their people and places are accessible, inclusive and welcoming. We are very pleased with the changes they have thought about, and that they have made, including:

• For several years Clarion Solicitors generously hosted the Dementia Friendly Leeds Steering Group and was one of the first legal firms to sign up.
• Chartered Legal Executive Clare King of Legal Studio Solicitors and Solicitor Helen Gott of Worth.Legal have been valued members of the steering group since the start, providing key insights into the importance of ensuring legal services are dementia friendly and links are made with other support organisations across the city.
• Chadwick Lawrence LLP have three offices in Leeds and have been supporting colleagues and clients who are affected by dementia for years. Susan Preece, an Associate at Chadwick Lawrence, is a dedicated Dementia Friends Ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society and chairs the Chadwick Lawrence Dementia Committee, which is made up of 30 staff members from diverse backgrounds with a shared passion to raise awareness and funds.:

This group organises internal events across our sites and we have volunteering opportunities with local community groups we support along with a gift drive each Christmas for local dementia units. All of our staff have the opportunity to become Dementia Friends with the majority taking this chance to learn more.
(Susan Preece, Chadwick Lawrence)

• Janet Babington, Practice Manager, for Levi Solicitors LLP states how the Dementia Friends programme is offered in their two offices, and the firm have carried out work to ensure their building is accessible and welcoming. Janet understands that adapting services and spaces, and ensuring staff have awareness around dementia, is both the right thing to do and makes smart business sense.

Our Moortown office now has step-free access, all our meeting rooms are on the ground floor, and we are pleased to have joined the Come In And Rest Scheme” … ”Our clients come from all walks and stages of life and we want to make sure we give our best service to everyone. A little consideration, understanding and empathy can go a long way.

(Janet Babington, Levi Solicitors)

• Customer service and equality of access are paramount at Hartlaw LLP in Wetherby, as Michelle Normington, office manager and partner, outlines:

Our dedicated Private Client team have produced a unique Bereavement Pack, designed to provide a step-by-step guide of the process involved when someone dies. It includes information about registering a death and what to expect, through to who to contact and organising a funeral. Also included is a glossary of terms used and the contact details of organisations that can provide services needed during this time. These are all local independent organisations that we have used. We have already received feedback about how useful this has been in supporting our clients.

(Michelle Normington, Hartlaw LLP)

Other age friendly actions taken by our law firm members consider the physical, practical and emotional needs of clients through:

• Joining the Come in and Rest scheme for anyone who needs a seat for a few minutes.
• Offering home visits and remote appointments for those who find it difficult to get to the office.
• Providing training in equality and inclusivity for staff, including Dementia Friends sessions.
• Ensuring printed leaflets are clear and concise with legible text.

Being inclusive of all clients and potential clients is good for business. We would love to see even more firms, in even more fields, pledge to take action and help us make Leeds a great city to grow old in.

Join more than 200 Leeds’ businesses and sign up today to be Age and Dementia Friendly!

Anyone who is thinking of joining the scheme who would like to chat through the process or speak to existing members about the benefits of being Age & Dementia Friendly can contact Sarah Prescott, Friendly Communities Officer via email: Sarah@opforum.org.uk or telephone: 0787 137 1803.

For more information:

Make your business Age & Dementia Friendly – Leeds Older People’s Forum (opforum.org.uk)

Sarah Prescott
Friendly Communities Office