FEATURE
Partnership - RAH Group ’ s Craig Haley ( centre ) with Paul Shepherd and Alan Geddes of the MFC Foundation .
Edging quickly forward on Teesside
RAH Group ’ s EDGE Services focused on raising awareness of dementia
WORDS : PAUL FRASER PICTURES : TOM BANKS
A training group with Teesside and the North-East at heart is to mark its first anniversary since acquiring the well-established EDGE Services by raising awareness of dementia .
RAH Group , set up by managing director Craig Haley following the loss of his father , Robert Anthony , 18 months ago , has successfully maintained EDGE Services ’ strong reputation , built up across the UK for 24 years .
And having notably provided people handling training in healthcare , social care and special educational needs sectors during that period , its sister company has now been launched by RAH to concentrate on other areas : EDGE Services
Awareness and Wellbeing Training . Craig , who had periods as a footballer with Middlesbrough and Bolton Wanderers , has struck a partnership with the MFC Foundation to deliver a course on how to work effectively with dementia in the workplace .
“ The first course will be for the MFC Foundation and club staff ,” said Craig . “ We are very confident it will expand further into the football club because we know this affects everyone . We are looking for EDGE Services to put something back into the community and we see MFC Foundation as the perfect vehicle to allow that to happen .”
The course is something that can be rolled out across the sporting and business worlds and has been specifically designed by trainer Phil Essex , who has worked for EDGE Services for 12 years .
Phil said : “ During that time at EDGE Services , we have worked with care homes and individuals with dementia and seen what the impact can be on individuals and carers .
“ More than anything , we realise nearly 1m people in the UK are currently diagnosed with a form of dementia and that is going to double in the next 20 years .
“ Wherever you work , in a retail setting , at Middlesbrough Football Club or in hospitality , we understand you are likely to meet someone with dementia . We realise that there are a lot of awareness courses out there .
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