Diversity and Dementia dominate discussions at upcoming webinar

Challenges surrounding diversity and dementia will form the topic of discussion during an upcoming webinar featuring representatives from ethnic minority, LGBT, housing and sensory impairment organisations.

On 24 September, the Dementia and Housing Working Group (DHWG) will present Diversity and Dementia; the second in a new series of thought-provoking webinars raising awareness of the challenges for people living with dementia and discussing the possible solutions.

Hosted by Housing LIN and supported by Housing 21 which Chairs the DHWG, the free event, hosted by Professor Vic Raynor, will give attendees the chance to hear the views from a panel of experts and put any questions to them directly.

Vanessa Pritchard-Wilkes, Chair of the DHWG and Head of Strategic Operations at Housing 21, said: “This is the second in our new quarterly webinar series and we are excited to build on the engagement from our first discussion which explored the benefit of dementia-friendly design.

“This time we will be focusing on the challenges around diversity and how this varies across different protected characteristics, impacting on health and social isolation. We will discuss the steps that can be taken to create opportunities for innovative solutions, products and environments that meet the diverse needs of everyone, regardless of their background, gender, sexuality or circumstances.”

The webinar will feature a variety of panel experts, with the event split into two halves; analysing the challenges for people living with dementia and exploring the solutions.

Already confirmed to take part are:

• Dathi Cee, who is living with dementia
• Andrew Gilliver who is the pride in practice coordinator at the LGBT Foundation
• David Truswell who has undertaken extensive research into dementia and ethnicity
• Ronald Amanze is a manager, producer, songwriter and entrepreneur living with dementia
• Adam Preston will speak about the LGBT Extra Care scheme in Manchester
• Ceila Toole, is the lead of Sight and Mind, an initiative to support those with dementia or a sensory impairment
• Mohammed Akhlak Rauf MBE will speak about supporting people living with dementia within minoritised ethnic communities.

It is estimated there are more than 944,000 people living with dementia in the UK with one third of them living alone in their own homes.

Vanessa added: “For our first webinar in July, more than 200 people watched live, including representatives from over 80 local authorities and 60 housing associations but our reach continues to grow as more people watch back the recording.

“Although many of our attendees work in the housing, local authority and health sectors, this webinar really is for everyone who is in contact with someone affected by dementia. It could be a friend or relative of someone living with dementia or even the individual themselves.

“Our audience is not exclusive; in fact, the opposite. The only way to truly raise awareness of how housing can impact people living with dementia is to reach everyone who is involved, from those building and designing homes, to those supporting people living in them.”

The Diversity and Dementia webinar will take place on Tuesday, 24 September from 3.30pm until 5.15pm. Register for free now at:  www.housinglin.org.uk/Events/HAPPI-Hour-Diversity-Still-Rising-to-the-Dementia-Challenge/