This is a close up loving picture of two ladies sitting in a car together, one has her arm round the other, they are smiling at each other, The older lady is holding a plant which has white flowers on it.

Understanding Dementia

Find out more about dementia and the small things everyone can do to help.

Understanding Dementia is a Beyond Dementia's one-hour information session for anyone who wants to find out more about dementia.

The informal, interactive workshops help participants understand what someone living with dementia might be experiencing and how they can support - as a relative, friend, or neighbour.

It was developed by our trainer Annie Clayton. More than 500 people have taken part in Wiltshire and the programme is now part-funded by The National Lottery. 

 

 

A group of ten people, some standing, some sitting, all holding their I understand more about Dementia certificates with Annie Clayton sat in a red top in the middle
What you will learn

The sessions are led by Annie Clayton, or by another member of Beyond Dementia team. We'll look at:

  • What dementia is, signs and symptoms, most common types and causes
  • How dementia can affect the person
  • Tips on supporting people to ‘live as well as they can’ with dementia
  • The benefits of having a diagnosis

It's informal and friendly, with time for questions and sharing insights.

Trainer Annie Clayton with a group of six Understanding Dementia champions holding 'I understand more' cards
Good to know

We run sessions for all types of groups and all ages and are happy to discuss a bespoke training for your group.

  • One-hour sessions
  • Free for clubs and community groups
  • £10- £15 a head for business groups
  • Specially tailored sessions for primary and secondary schools
  • Age-appropriate sessions have also been delivered at Brownie and Guide groups

 

Come along or arrange a session

Why we need Understanding Dementia

We know that people living with dementia and their carers can feel isolated in their communities. Old friends and acquaintances may fall away following a diagnosis as people feel embarrassed about saying and doing the 'wrong thing'. People may lose confidence to the point where they struggle with activities that most take for granted like shopping, going to the bank or having their hair done.

It doesn't mean they can't do these things, just that they may need extra support and understanding to carry on leading an active and independent life for as long as possible. 

Make your community dementia friendly

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How groups can get involved

If you are involved if a sports club, social club, or organisation of any size, why not find out how you can do more as a group to welcome people living with dementia.
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How schools can help

Specially tailored Understanding Dementia sessions for primary and secondary schools
The picture shows a butchers shop, Chris Robbins is standing smiling behind the glass counter with meats and a pay machine, behind him there are wooden shelves with jars, there is a wooden chest to the right before a window with a view out to the street.
How businesses can help

From supermarkets to banks, pubs to hairdressers, businesses are finding out how to serve their customers with dementia better - and that is good for business.

What attendees are saying

"Just a quick email to thank you for delivering the Dementia session at Devizes Library earlier this week. The team gave very positive feedback and found the information very interesting and enlightening. They all feel they now have a greater understanding of dementia and how they can support customers in the library."

Attendee Understanding Dementia

"The use of non-medical language and real life examples to explain dementia were so refreshing. With my new knowledge, I have better tools and confidence to engage people with dementia."

Attendee Understanding Dementia

"Annie is a gifted trainer and I learned so much today."

Attendee Understanding Dementia