About us
The Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC)
The DSDC is an international centre of knowledge and expertise dedicated to improving the lives of people with dementia. DSDC draws on research and practice, from around the world, to provide comprehensive, up-to-date resources on all aspects of dementia.
For over 30 years DSDC has worked with individuals and organisations to:
- Improve the lives for people living with dementia through care and design
- Make communities dementia friendly
- Influence policy to improve services for people with dementia
DSDC is based in the Iris Murdoch Building at the University of Stirling, although it is not funded by the University, and is largely funded by charitable sources.
The Project
The project, ’Dementia Education Workshops for Family Carers and Volunteers’ aims to support those living with dementia. It was developed to address a notable gap in the provision of dementia education for both informal carers and those in volunteering roles.
One of the key objectives is to promote an improved understanding of dementia: to support living well with a diagnosis and ultimately an improved quality of life for both the person living with dementia and their families. Through a greater understanding of the impact of dementia we can help preserve ‘personhood’ to ensure that people are treated with dignity and respect and seen for the person they are, and not just their diagnosis of dementia.
The pilot project was launched in October 2017, working in partnership with local organisations in Stirling: Royal Voluntary Service (RVS); Stirling Carer Centre; Food Train; Crossroads; Town Break; Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA); and the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC). The pilot project delivered 12 one off face to face workshops in Stirling (one a month over a 14 month period, excluding December and January).
Informal educational workshops provide family carers and volunteers with a greater understanding of dementia and practical tips and solutions that can enhance everyday life. Each workshop lasts four hours and is completely free of charge to those attending. Volunteers can be arranged to provide support to the person living with dementia, if required, while their carer attends the workshop.
To allow those who are unable to attend access to the information provided in the workshop, this online hub has been created. This hub will also reinforce learning for carers/volunteers that they can refer to in their own time.