Members of the National Dementia Carers Action Network (NDCAN) and the Scottish Dementia Working Group (SDWG) recently engaged with an enthusiastic group of 37 Speech and Language students from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh (United Kingdom). Organised by Elaine Hunter, Alzheimer Scotland’s National Allied Health Professions Consultant, this annual event is designed not only to share insights about dementia, but also to empower the next generation of Speech and Language therapy professionals through shared experiences.
Understanding dementia through lived experience
The day kicked off with a presentation by Norie Williamson, Active Voice Development Officer. Norie's passion for the Active Voice ethos set the tone, emphasising how important it is to incorporate lived experiences into the decision-making processes that shape our approaches to dementia care. Following this introduction, students were treated to two insightful and inspiring presentations. Margaret McCallion (SDWG), who is also a member of the European Working Group of People with Dementia, and Frank O’Hagan (NDCAN) shared their personal stories, shedding light on their experiences and involvement with their respective groups. They also shared some invaluable advice by asking the students to carry forward the principles of person-centred care into their future careers.
Interactive discussion: Bridging the gap between theory and practice
Following the opening presentations, and with the added presence of ten other SDWG and NDCAN members, the event transitioned into engaging small group discussions. Each group was guided by NDCAN and SDWG members who invited the students to pose questions. The smaller group format provided opportunity for the students to delve deeper into the complexities of dementia, ensuring that their learning was not only meaningful but based on real-life scenarios. As the event came to a close, students had the opportunity to reflect on their experiences. The feedback collected was extremely positive and included insightful quotes that echoed the success of the learning event.
In conclusion, both SDWG and NDCAN recognise the importance of workforce development in their efforts to raise awareness and promote positive change. The members of both groups are always grateful for an opportunity to connect with aspiring healthcare professionals. They hope that this engagement will make a lasting impact on attendees, inspiring future speech and language therapists to recognise the significance of inclusivity and the invaluable role that lived experiences can play in understanding and supporting those affected by dementia. Want to know more about the Active Voice at Alzheimer Scotland? The Active Voice of people living with dementia and their carers is about upholding rights and driving change. They support people with lived experience to help influence and shape policy and practice. If you would like further information or an informal chat with a member of the Active Team, please email activevoice@alzscot.org