Dementia Community Champions
I was asked by Alzheimer’s Research UK to produce a training pack for their newly-recruited Dementia Community Champions – people who volunteer to spread the word about dementia research and the work of the charity.
The objective: To equip volunteers with the knowledge they needed to feel confident helping people in their communities understand dementia.
The solution: I wrote the copy for a pack to support the charity’s training workshops, covering essential information about dementia, brain health and taking part in research, along with practical information to help the volunteers carry out their role. Many volunteers had little previous knowledge about dementia, so the pack used clear, simple language to aid their learning, with space for participants to include their own notes and reflections.
The result: The charity was able to deliver pilot training to its new Community Champions, who left with a comprehensive summary of the topics covered, as well as clear guidance on next steps and where to go for support.
“The production of high-quality materials to deliver training to our Champions was a key aspect of the project. The training manual was very well received: we got so many compliments on the materials we had produced, with some of the Champions remarking that it was clear we had put a lot of effort into this scheme.
“Kirsty took the time and care to fully understand the brief and requirements of the project. The best thing about working with her was her ability to just understand exactly what we were looking for and put it into being, perhaps before we had a clear vision ourselves. Just want to say again, Kirsty, a massive thank you.”