SWAP_Booklet_PAMBooklet_Oct25 PRINT

What We Do We have established Dementia Empowerment Groups throughout Northern Ireland. These provide a place for members, all of whom have a diagnosis of dementia, to come together, share experiences, and provide peer support. Through the groups, members consult with other organisations and professionals on how to improve their engagement with people with dementia. Sharon Gormley, Dementia NI member enjoys attending her local empowerment group and describes it as a ‘safety net, we feel we are among people that understand us and if you have something, you’re not on your own, somewhere to come and talk about it’. Dementia NI members meet on a regular basis in suitable venues to offer each other support through friendly social gatherings and raise awareness about what it is like to live with the symptoms of dementia. The Empowerment Groups are facilitated by a member of staff who provides administrative support and organises visitors, who come along to meet the members and learn from them. Joining Our Groups Those who have received a diagnosis of dementia - and are in the early to middle stages of dementia - may like to attend their local Empowerment Group after signing up for Dementia NI membership. If you live with a diagnosis of dementia and are interested in becoming a Dementia NI member, please call us on 028 96 931 555 or email info@dementiani.org to find out more. Having Our Voices Heard As well as providing peer support, we regularly host visitors who ask for members’ opinions on topics related to dementia. Dementia NI members have the power to influence and change what happens in their world, whether at home or in the wider community. Positive Benefits Our members tell us the Groups give them the opportunity to make new friends, feel less isolated and be part of their community. It helps them regain confidence and lost selfesteem following a diagnosis. The Groups provide the opportunity for members to have their own space and voice their opinions which can help them feel valued, respected and listened to. www.dementiani.org Find out more about the Herbert Protocol at www.psni.police.uk/herbertprotocol Helping to trace missing people with Dementia The Empowerment Programme