Consulting, Engaging and Involving Members

Here at Dementia NI, we believe that the services, venues, and facilities we all use should be suitable and accessible for people living with dementia, the same as anyone else, with the right support and understanding in place.

By sharing their stories, Dementia NI members use their lived experiences to help make positive changes for people with dementia. Members influence and inform how people can still live well with dementia while challenging the stigma attached to a diagnosis.

Dementia NI members invite organisations including community groups, sports associations, retailers and various other service providers to consult on how they can make their services, environments, resources and venues more appropriate for people living with dementia.

People with dementia have the right to be consulted about policies, practices, services, and all aspects of life, not just about dementia-specific services.

Due Diligence and Mutual Respect

Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of our work, Dementia NI must ensure a duty of care to our members, volunteers, and staff, therefore those wishing to engage will be required to agree to follow Dementia NI best practice guidelines and conditions of engagement.

Dementia NI asks that any individual, group or organisation seeking to work with our members, will be committed to driving positive change for the lives of people living with dementia, now and in the future.

Our Members regularly meet with groups to inform and educate about what it is to live with dementia. Below is a group of volunteer students at Sacred Heart Grammar, Newry, with Dementia NI member Peter and Empowerment Facilitator Claire-Rose.

For more information and guidance on the practice of engaging with our members, please read our Principles of Engagement document.

Co-production: Involving Our Members In Decisions

Our consultations are helpful for anyone whose workplace or organisation wants to engage with people with dementia in a meaningful way. Co-production refers to a way of working where organisations work together with people of lived experience reach a collective outcome. This approach to influence and participation allows staff and Dementia NI members to have an equal relationship when designing activities, projects, or services.

Dementia NI members continue to play an integral part in implementing the Regional Dementia Strategy for Northern Ireland alongside Dementia Together NI, the Health and Social Care Board, and the Public Health Agency NI.

People with dementia have the same rights as others but can face barriers in having their rights respected & fulfilled. As part of the Social Change Initiative, The Dementia Programme in Northern Ireland aimed to improve dementia care.

Dementia NI members helped set out a vision for a sustained role to shape policies & services that affect their lives.

Our members gave their views and suggestions to input into the Dementia Care Pathway, and the Dementia Learning and Development Framework that was launched in 2016 by then Health Minister, Michelle O'Neill.

Also in 2016, Dementia NI members participated in a Public Information Campaign to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia.