Nearly 900 people, including employees at Pfizer in Sandwich, have become Dementia Friends since the initiative launched earlier this year.

The scheme is run with Kent County Council and works with businesses, charities, emergency services and individuals who have taken part in the awareness sessions.

The Pfizer site at Discovery Park in Sandwich, held a dementia awareness session for more than 70 of its employees.

Janet Rhodes, a scientist at the site and leading member of the Pfizer Sandwich Community Team, said: “We were delighted to be able to host the event at Sandwich and raise awareness and educate our colleagues about dementia and the impact it has on patients, families and carers.

“The majority of colleagues who attended signed up as a Dementia Friend, and we had some really positive feedback on how the session was both supportive and informative.

“Pfizer is now also proud to be a member of the Dementia Action Alliance, and continues to support local activities involved with dementia awareness and education.”

Dementia Friends is a national initiative, and Kent County Council is delivering sessions in the county as part of its Dementia Friendly Communities project.

This aims to reduce the stigma surrounding dementia, and increase understanding of the condition to improve the quality of life for those who live with it.

Graham Gibbens, Kent County Council cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said: “Dementia can change the way that people experience the world around them, and a growing number of us are expected to be living with this disease in the next decade.

“These sessions help give people the understanding they need to be able to support people living with dementia, whether in their professional or personal lives.”

To find a Dementia Friends awareness session in east Kent, call Peter Marsh on 07717852872 or visit www.dementiafriends.org.uk.