Andy Kendall, Alzheimer’s Society Corporate Account Manager, shares his experience of delivering Dementia Friends Sessions, and how they can help businesses better understand dementia and make a meaningful difference in their communities.
“Over the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of delivering Dementia Friends Sessions to a wide range of groups and organisations. It’s one of the most meaningful parts of my role, and every time I lead a session, I’m reminded of why I started.
“My journey with Dementia Friends began during my time as a Regional Fundraiser. Back then, we were encouraged to get involved, and I was inspired by colleagues who delivered sessions with such passion and purpose. I found the content engaging and thought, ‘I’d love to do that too.’ Now, in my Corporate Partnerships role, these sessions have become a core part of what I do, and I’ve recently passed the milestone of 1,000 Dementia Friends made!
“I still remember my very first session, it had just two attendees. Today, I regularly deliver to groups of all sizes, sometimes 150 people or more. But whether it’s a small community group or a large corporate audience, the message is always the same. A little understanding makes a big difference, and every single Dementia Friend can make an impact.
“Dementia Friends Sessions are a brilliant way for organisations to upskill their teams, and a chance for Alzheimer’s Society to build genuine connections with businesses that want to make a positive impact in society. Through our Insurance United Against Dementia campaign alone, we’ve welcomed over 18,000 Dementia Friends from across the insurance sector. Becoming a Dementia Friend can sometimes be the first step for businesses engaging with Alzheimer’s Society. From there, we’ve gone on to deliver further training sessions, support fundraising events, and provide tailored staff support. For many, these sessions then become the beginning of a deeper, ongoing relationship with Alzheimer’s Society.
“Sessions are interactive, engaging, and designed to help people understand dementia and how it affects those living with it. World Alzheimer’s Month is the perfect time for organisations to get involved and show their support for people affected by dementia. But whatever the time of year, the knowledge gained in these sessions empowers people to communicate more effectively and compassionately with customers, colleagues and others in their communities. Ultimately, this understanding helps businesses create more inclusive environments and deliver better, more empathetic customer experiences.
“It’s always inspiring to see that people are so engaged during the sessions, I have never had a bad one! Whether face to face or virtual, attendees remind me how deeply dementia touches the lives of those in our communities. These sessions offer a chance for people to understand more about their loved one's dementia journey or how they can help support others in their communities. Getting to see these sessions through fresh eyes always reinforces the importance of what we’re doing.
“Even the simplest messages can have a lasting impact. I’ve had people reach out months later to say they used our Dementia Support Line or felt more confident supporting a loved one recently diagnosed.
“Each Dementia Friend created represents a step toward a more inclusive, compassionate society. One where people affected by dementia feel seen, supported, and understood.”
If you have any questions about how your organisation can become Dementia Friends, please get in touch at dementiafriends@alzheimers.org.uk
