Dementia NI
A Voice to be Heard
Dementia NI was founded in 2015 by five people living with dementia determined to have their voices heard and drive positive change for themselves and others. It was their experience that the voice of the person with dementia was largely unheeded due to the stigma of diagnosis and the lack of awareness of others. The core belief of the founding group is that people living with dementia should have an active involvement in decisions that affect their own lives.
Empowering
Empowerment Groups provide a space for members, all of whom have dementia, to share experiences and support one another, with those who have attended reporting improved skills and confidence. Dementia NI offer a peer support service called in the same boat for those newly diagnosed, so they have an opportunity to speak to those in the same position and receive encouragement.
Campaigning for Change
There are over 20,000 people living with dementia in Northern Ireland, each with unique perspectives and shared experiences. As a membership charity, Dementia NI has the lived experience of those with dementia at the centre of their work. Dementia NI members collaborate to develop policy, practices and services as well as inform research projects. They worked collaboratively with the PSNI to introduce the Herbert Protocol to Northern Ireland, an initiative which helps police locate people with dementia should they go missing.
Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide ~ Napoleon Bonaparte
Raising Awareness
The dementia JAM Card initiative provides those living with dementia with a card that they can present to others when communicating to ask for some time and patience. Designed for use in shops, entertainment venues, transport and public service providers, the JAM Card is a discreet way to bolster confidence and independence when interacting with others day to day.
Start a Conversation Today
Members of Dementia NI have invested heavily in development of resources to ensure the voice and lived experience of people living with dementia are heard, understood and reflected in society.
The Start a Conversation Today campaign showcases a range of photography and films online that challenges misconceptions and raises public awareness of dementia.
Enriching Lives
Dementia NI has become one of the leading charities for those with dementia and membership has now grown to approximately 100 members.
By having the voice of those with dementia at the heart of their organisation, Dementia NI continues to help people living with dementia to embrace living and to flourish in their day to day lives.
Other partners who are making a difference
Identifying the right network of dedicated and ambitious partners has enabled us to deliver on our charitable purposes and activities. Here are just some of the life-changing projects that our grant partners have been involved in.
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Adsum Foundation
Adsum Foundation has worked extensively supporting people and vulnerable communities in Madagascar and investing in a brighter future for this developing nation.
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Dreamscheme NI
Dreamscheme is an award-winning youth development organisation seeking to bring about positive transformations in young people and communities in South and East Belfast.
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The Queen’s University of Belfast Foundation
Philanthropic support is helping to make Queen’s University Belfast and Northern Ireland a world leader in medical research, education and patient care.