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In March 2025, Dartford Borough Council awarded ADSS funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to support local retailers, businesses, charities, and community organisations in becoming Dementia Inclusive. This project is known as Dementia Friendly Dartford Initiative. One of the businesses that took part in becoming Dementia Friendly was Barclays Bank in Dartford, where five members of staff attended ADSS’ bespoke Dementia Awareness workshop.

ADSS were pleased to learn that Barclays in Dartford and other branches nationwide were introducing a ‘Quiet Hour’ for those living with a variety of sensory needs including Dementia. Andrew Wilder, Customer Care Leader of Barclays bank Dartford, was asked to comment on what had influenced Barclays to introduce the ‘Quiet Hour’. He said, “Our support for neurodiverse customers was limited in our branches. “While we had made progress on access and facilities for example customers with physical disabilities, vision and hearing impairments. We had not provided anything to specifically to support our customers with more diverse and sometimes less visible needs.”

Andrew was also asked how he feels the ‘Quiet Hour’ will support people affected by dementia. Andrew said, “I believe the Quiet Hour will benefit many customers with differing needs. For customers affected by dementia, we will be providing a dedicated time daily where they can expect a calmer, quieter and where possible less bright environment across all our branches in the UK. Our staff will be encouraging this environment, to make a visit to the bank less daunting, confusing, or worrying for our customers.”

ADSS’ Service Development and Quality Assurance Manager, Emily Forster also added, “Banking can become challenging for those living with dementia, especially if the environment is busy with lots of noise and people. Having a quiet period, will be a great incentive for many to support and maintain a level of independence.”

Andrew mentioned that if you need to contact a Barclays bank, you can visit them during the Quiet Hour or any time a branch is open. You can also contact Barclays on 03457 345345, reach them online on their website at Barclays where you can chat or request a direct call via the Barclays app. All branches of the bank are happy to help and support their customers, you can also book appointments to speak with someone at your local branch should you need any advice around your banking.

At ADSS, we do recommend that you let your bank know you have a diagnosis of dementia, however this is down to your own discretion. Allowing the bank staff to know will enable them to ensure they meet your needs when communicating and supporting you. Planning for the future is important and ADSS would also advise that you obtain a Financial Lasting Power of Attorney, this will allow you’re the appointed person to support with finances when they lack capacity to do so themselves. You will need to inform the bank and register the Lasting Power of Attorney with them.

Some of ADSS’ Dementia Coordinators visited their local branches to learn more about the ‘Quiet Hour’ and how they can ensure that those they support who bank with Barclays are aware of it.

Find out more

If you would like some more information on Lasting Power of Attorney, please contact us and one of our Dementia Coordinators will be more than happy to help advise you.

The Barclays ‘Quiet Hour’ launched on Monday 7th July 2025 and operates from 9:30am – 10:30am. Feel free to pop along to your nearest branch and take advantage of this great initiative.