The Scottish Dementia Working Group (SDWG) campaigns at a local and national level, within Scotland, to increase awareness of dementia and reduce stigma. In order to do so, the group’s members engage in a variety of ways, including face-to-face meetings, consultations, events, newsletters and social media. Social media can be a particularly useful tool to raise awareness of the group, communicate with a large and diverse audience and, importantly, share the invaluable voice of lived experience in dementia.
In the run up to the festive period, SDWG members shared their personal hints and tips to maintain connections and avoid social isolation, on Twitter. SDWG members know that winter has the potential to be a particularly lonely time, as the weather can reduce the number of opportunities for people with dementia to get out and about.
Members were keen to share tips for a range of audiences and stress that we all a have a responsibility to make sure no one faces dementia alone. As well as hints and tips, the Twitter posts also shared details of the Alzheimer Scotland 24-hour helpline, to ensure that those affected by dementia have a way to access support, regardless of the issue, time post diagnosis or location.
You can find out more and keep up to date with the latest SDWG news on Twitter: @S_D_W_G