A PENARTH sweet shop has joined the Dementia Friendly Penarth campaign.

Umpa Lumpa Sweet Shop, which is located in Windsor Arcade, Penarth, is another one of the first local businesses to get on board with the campaign - which aims to encourage people to learn more about dementia.

Owner Karen Dunlop and staff Sophie Wooding and Leah Dite have all become Dementia Friends - with Ms Wooding and Ms Dite attending sessions at Penarth Library.

Speaking about her decision to join the campaign, Ms Dunlop said: “We have noticed that we are increasingly helping people living with dementia, or their friends and carers, in our shop.

“We cater for all ages, from young children to people in their later years who enjoy taking a trip down memory lane shopping for the colourful and delicious sweets that they remember from their childhood.

“We are committed to offering the best customer care and can take time to talk about our extensive ranges with unhurried, old fashioned customer service. We believe that joining the Penarth Dementia Friendly movement will help us continue to offer the best possible shopping experience.”

The shop already has a lot of interaction with the elderly, as they take sweets to care homes in the local area. Ms Dunlop said she believes being part of the campaign will help them further.

She added: “We take ranges of our traditional sweets to local care homes, where they provide a fabulous conversation starter and aid reminiscence - with the residents happily talking about their favourite sweets and treats current and past. We think that working towards becoming dementia friendly is pretty sweet!”

If you would like to get involved in our campaign, please contact the newsdesk on 01633 777011 or send an email to penarthtimes@penarthtimes.co.uk