STAFF at a family-run farm shop in Somerset have completed training to ensure they can provide a dementia-friendly experience for visitors who need it (March 2022).
The team members at Rumwell Farm Shop, which is located on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington, received the training from dementia charity, Reminiscence Learning in Wellington, which is one of its charities of the year.
Anne Mitchell, Joint Owner of the award-winning farm shop explained: “Our customer service is a top priority for us and as we are supporting Reminiscence Learning this year, we thought it only right that our staff receive this special training to ensure they can cater for anyone with dementia who might visit us and ensure they have the same experience here that everyone has.
“We’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to the Reminiscence Learning team for providing the training, which was designed to help with people coming into our shop and café and looking at ways in which we can make those with dementia feel safe.
“We identified things people with dementia recognise, such as the Reminiscence Learning mascot, Archie, exit signs and arrows to help with navigation and consistent flooring types. We learnt that those with the condition also have a depth perception issue. So, for example, they might step onto a different type of flooring and feel like they might fall. We learnt so much during the training and our staff are already putting everything into practice, and we are continually looking at what we can improve to help those with dementia.”
Reminiscence Learning was created and founded in 2001 by Fiona Mahoney an Occupational Therapist (OT), who has experience in both physical and mental health.
Since its launch, the multi-award-winning national and regional charity, which is based in Wellington, has grown and changed in response to individual and community needs. It now specialises in dementia care, activity and reminiscence.
The charity prides itself on being dynamic, forward thinking and innovative; putting the needs of the client and carer first and listening to their thoughts and requests.
Fiona Mahoney, Chief Executive of dementia charity, Reminiscence Learning, said: “The staff were very interested and engaged throughout the training and they have already acted on their newfound knowledge. They are proudly displaying the dementia friendly logos in the window, and I know all their staff will make everyone in the community feel comfortable.
“Our team are available to visit businesses to provide the training, so anyone interested should get in touch”
Rumwell Farm Shop is an independent, family-run, award-winning business owned by the Mitchell family. It was originally a potato store, when David and Anne Mitchell began selling their potatoes and free-range eggs at the gate.
Due to customer demand, the range of products soon increased, and the farm shop grew into the place it is today. David and Anne’s sons, James and Jack, are now also involved in the business, as well as daughters-in-law Sophie and Donna.
Rumwell Farm Shop has a traditional Butchery counter selling its home-reared and free-range pork and Rumwell Angus beef. There is also The Rumwell Flower Shed on-site, a Delicatessen, Bakery, Jam Kitchen, Food Hall, Wine Cellar and Gift Room.
The Rumwell Café is a large and spacious building. The food prepared in the Café kitchen is sourced from the Farm Shop, the Mitchell family farm, which is just four miles away, and other regional suppliers.
Families are welcome to the Café and there is a menu especially for children. It also serves afternoon teas, roast carvery Sunday lunches and is licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.
For more information, please call Rumwell Farm Shop, which is located in Rumwell between Taunton and Wellington, on 01823 461599 or visit www.rumwellfarmshop.com.
