Pupils and staff at a school in Whitechapel have become ‘Dementia Friends’ after taking part in a training programme.

Family and community members joined workers and pupils during a special assembly held at the London Islamic School in Damien Street, to raise awareness of the condition.

The programme, hosted by Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends, aims to change people’s perceptions of the illness and transform the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about it.

Abdul Hadi Mamon, headteacher, said: “At London Islamic School we take our social responsibility very seriously and it is very pleasing to see our students take such a healthy interest in serving their communities.

“Dementia has a severe impact on our community and we have discovered that there are students and members of staff who have family members with it.

“This presents many challenges in their daily lives and after listening to how they support their loved ones our awareness, admiration and our respect levels have increased.”

For more information about the Alzheimer’s Society visit alzheimers.org.uk.