Celebrating partnership working - Dementia Action Week
During Dementia Action Week, Alzheimer’s Society North Staffordshire, together with the Older Adults Dementia Champions, have been actively raising awareness to support this important cause.
Each year, Alzheimer’s Society collaborates with individuals and organisations across the UK to encourage action on dementia. This year’s focus is on the importance of diagnosis and increasing awareness of the most common symptoms of dementia. Early diagnosis is crucial as it enables people to access the care, treatment, and support they urgently need.
Locally, the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Service has been working with the Royal Stoke Older Adults Wards by delivering monthly information sessions. These sessions align with the Dementia Training Standards Framework and provide staff the opportunity to become Dementia Friends.
Additionally, Alzheimer’s Society has supported the establishment and ongoing development of a Dementia Champion Network within Older Adults. Dementia Champions initially commence a 12-month training programme which includes regular sessions for them the develop their knowledge and improve support for individuals living with dementia. This programme features regular meetings and offers opportunities to learn from external healthcare professionals, organisations, and people with lived experience as well as completing experience days at the Memory Clinic, Harplands Hospital and Alzheimer’s Society Singing for the Brain. As part of the dementia champion training programme the champions were tasked with creating posters on a dementia related topic to raise dementia awareness. These posters have been displayed during Dementia Action Week in the West Building Entrance and in the Main Building along with the Alzheimer’s Society.
Diversional therapists also play a vital role in supporting people with dementia within the hospital environment. These professionals use creative activities and therapeutic recreation to engage patients, helping to reduce agitation, stimulate cognitive function, and improve overall wellbeing. Their work complements clinical care by offering person-centred approaches that promote dignity, enjoyment, and social interaction, which are essential for enhancing quality of life for people living with dementia.
Jade Howard, Community Based Dementia Adviser for Alzheimer’s Society, said: “People with dementia often experience longer hospital stays, and their time in hospital can be distressing and frightening. Without proper stimulation and support, their symptoms can worsen. We want to empower hospital staff to understand how they can make a real difference by adapting their approach and communication. It’s essential to look beyond behaviour to understand what might be causing it and find ways to manage and reduce distress. The Dementia Champions have taken on these additional responsibilities because they are passionate about improving the hospital experience for patients with dementia. They support and educate fellow staff, challenge poor practice, demonstrate person-centred care, and advocate for the needs of people with dementia and their families.”
Rebecca Cato, Practice Development Nurse for Older Adults, said: “This partnership with Alzheimer’s Society is invaluable. By working together, we can bring specialist knowledge and resources into the hospital setting, ensuring that our patients with dementia receive the compassionate, tailored care they deserve. It strengthens our team’s skills and confidence and ultimately improves the experience and outcomes for our older adults. For 2026 we plan on offering the Dementia Champion Training programme out to other areas within the trust so that we can build a strong Dementia Champion Network at UHNM.”
Picture caption: UHNM Dementia Champions and the memory clinic team are pictured with their posters.