Dementia Champions training launched for health & social care staff in Northern Ireland

With 20,000 people living with a dementia in Northern Ireland (NI) it is vital that health and social care staff are aware of the needs of the individual and their families and can respond appropriately.

The regional Dementia Strategy places particular emphasis on the need for staff training and to address this, they have developed a Dementia ‘Champions’ Programme. Their aim is to have at least one ‘Champion’ in each ward / facility across NI that care for people with dementia and their target is to recruit and train in the region of 250 – 300 people.

The programme is designed to up-skill health and social care staff of different grades and with different roles across a range of programmes of care in both the statutory and non-statutory sectors.

Champions will be trained and supported to become change agents in improving the experience, care, treatment and outcomes for people with dementia, their families and carers in hospitals, care homes and all other health and social care settings. 

The programme which is being commissioned on a rolling basis will be delivered over a 6 month period via blended learning model incorporating five study days, online resources and the submission of work based assignments.

While there is no cost to organisations, it is expected staff nominated to attend the programme would commit to full attendance and participation.

If you have staff working within your services who would be interested in becoming a Dementia Champion you can nominate them by contacting Catriona Donnelly by email at: [email protected]