Dementia Friends Staff Deliverer and Communities and Volunteering Officer, Annlouise, shares how Dementia Friends Sessions help start important conversations and break down the stigma which can often be a barrier to diagnosis and support.
“Some days just make you smile don't they? Myself and my colleague Davinder Chauhan had one of those days last month. We were pleased to run a Dementia Friends Session to nearly 100 people at The Dosti Club in Milton Keynes, which in itself was special as the word 'dosti' can be translated to the word 'friendship.'
“The club is a friendly, weekly gathering that brings people together for social connection and a shared luncheon. The group has a predominantly Gujarati community, creating a warm, culturally familiar environment where attendees can chat in their own language, build friendships, and enjoy a sense of belonging. Sessions are relaxed and welcoming, often centred around conversation, light activities, and a communal meal, making it a valuable space for reducing isolation and supporting wellbeing within the local community.
“The feedback we received highlighted the impact of a Dementia Friends Session:
“I would like to extend our sincere thanks on behalf of the members of Dosti Group for the excellent session delivered. The talk provided a clear, easy-to-understand explanation of what dementia is and how people can be supported.
The room was full of ‘silver surfers,’ and the way the information was presented made a real difference. The examples used throughout the session were particularly effective and helped everyone connect with the topic in a meaningful way. By the end of the session, attendees felt both empowered and more knowledgeable about dementia, which was exactly what we had hoped for.
It was a very informative and engaging presentation. We would be delighted to welcome you back in the future to expand further on this important topic.
Thank you again for such a valuable session.”
“After the session we spoke with many of the attendees who each thanked us enthusiastically and were keen to have their photos taken to encourage others to become Dementia Friends."
Thank you to Annlouise for sharing the positive impact of this session. If you'd like to attend a Dementia Friends Session, book here or contact dementiafriends@alzheimers.org.uk.
