Dementia Action Week 2023: Free digital skills training to help people living with dementia

As part of Dementia Action Week, taking place between 15-19 May in 2023, Digital Communities Wales and Gwent Dementia Friendly Communities have partnered to deliver a series of free training sessions for people in Gwent living with dementia, their family, friends, carers, and professionals.

These sessions aim to support those with caring responsibility to be able to improve the lives of people living with dementia through the use of digital technology. The six online sessions include topics such as reminiscence, digital storytelling, and using smart speakers and devices.

A recent report into Dementia and Digital from our project partners Good Things Foundation recommends that digital participation can play a valuable role in improving quality of life through offering a source of information and advice, providing practical support, enabling social connections, as well as being a source of relaxation, entertainment and a way to pursue interests. However, digital exclusion remains a significant issue among carers and people with long-term health conditions.

By partnering up with organisations that offer support to digitally excluded groups, Digital Communities Wales can develop and provide free bespoke training that addresses barriers and unlocks the benefits of being online. Any organisation can contact us to arrange training or for more information.

Angela Jones, Digital Inclusion Advisor with Digital Communities Wales explains…

“While dementia can be challenging to manage, technology and the internet have provided a wide range of new tools, devices, and resources that can make a significant difference to the lives of those living with the condition.”

Gwent Dementia Friendly Communities said…

“Gwent Dementia Friendly Communities consists of a wide range of partners and members from within the community who all come together to share their passion to improve our communities for people living with dementia their families and carers.

“We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Digital Communities Wales providing an opportunity to increase learning and understanding around dementia during Dementia Action Week.”

The National Survey for Wales 2021-22 found that 11% of people with long term illnesses were not online. With more and more services, including NHS services, moving online, it is a real concern that people will miss out on vital care due to not being online.

Digital Communities Wales works with Local Authorities, Health Boards, charities, housing associations, and more to provide free training and support to upskill staff who work directly with vulnerable communities that are at risk of digital exclusion. Reach out to us and see how we can support your organisation.

Spread the word for Dementia Action Week 2023:

•  Visit https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-action-week to learn more about the campaign.

•  Follow @alzheimerssoc on Twitter and Alzheimer’s Society on Facebook.

•  Join the national conversation using the hashtag #DementiaActionWeek.

•  Read this report on Dementia and Digital from our project partners Good Things Foundation.