On 19 January 2023, the members of Alzheimer Europe’s newly created European Dementia Carers Working Group (EDCWG), gathered online for their first get-together meeting. Jean Georges (Executive Director of Alzheimer Europe), welcomed all the members. He explained that the creation of the EDCWG marks a historical moment for Alzheimer Europe. He referred to the founding fathers of Alzheimer Europe, who were carers themselves, and the crucial role carers have played in the organisation’s activities over the years. He looks forward to the contribution of the EDCWG’s perspectives and experiences to the activities of the organisation, including research and EU-level policy. Staff members of the Public Involvement team, Ana Diaz, Dianne Gove, Soraya Moradi-Bachiller and Daphné Lamirel, introduced themselves and expressed their enthusiasm about working with the group.
Ana Diaz and Dianne Gove then proceeded to provide more information about the ECDWG’s role, upcoming meetings, and expectations of work. In the final part of the meeting, each group member introduced themselves to the group and shared some personal information about their journey as a carer for someone with dementia. They referred to their previous experiences of caring, volunteering, and advocating, their rich and varied professional backgrounds, and how these can contribute to their role as members of the group.