The award acknowledges the airport’s dedication to easing the travel experience for people with dementia, helping reduce anxiety and ensuring a smoother journey for passengers and their families.
To achieve this accreditation, London Stansted worked with partners across the airport, including the Stansted Access For Everyone Forum (SAFE), airlines, ground handlers, and special assistance provider ABM. Together, they introduced several initiatives to create a more dementia-friendly environment.
These include dementia awareness training for more than 1,000 staff, clear signage, a designated area for relaxation away from the departure lounge, enhanced accessible toilets and changing places facilities, and dedicated meeting points (safe spaces for passengers with dementia to reunite with companions).
“We are incredibly proud to be recognised by Essex County Council as an Inclusive Dementia Community Business. We know that travelling can be a stressful experience for anyone, but for people living with dementia, it can be even more challenging. This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our team and business partners and our commitment to making London Stansted a welcoming, accessible place for all our passengers,” said Stephanie Putt, London Stansted’s accessibility manager.
The Essex County Council Inclusive Dementia Communities programme, supported by the Alzheimer’s Society, encourages organisations, businesses, and communities to take proactive steps to improve the lives of people living with dementia.
Mark Neville, Alzheimer’s Society community development coordinator for Essex, added: “This is a fantastic achievement and making public spaces more accessible and improving understanding is vital in supporting people living with dementia and their families. London Stansted’s commitment to becoming an Inclusive Dementia Community demonstrates its dedication to improving the travel experience not just for people living with dementia but for all passengers, visitors and staff.”
London Stansted also recently received the highest rating from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for its service to passengers with reduced mobility and disabilities.
