Planning a dementia-friendly inclusive activity
Cuimhne Check list
Planning an activity/event
Consult people about their interests.
Identify suitably trained volunteers to help.
Consider ways of tailoring some volunteer roles for people with memory loss; people living with dementia can be volunteers too.
Consider if you could help any people travel to the activity - for instance could any volunteers travel together with guests?
Consider what opportunities you may offer to family carers accompanying people to and from the activity.
Make sure signage at your venue or centre is dementia friendly.
Offer dementia awareness training to your team (including communicating with people with dementia).
Offer healthy refreshments, using cups and plates in dementia friendly colours.
Advertise the event in a dementia friendly way.
Conduct a risk assessment.
On the day
Remind people about attending.
Appoint a volunteer to welcome people and show them around and help people connect with others.
Use dementia friendly name badges for guests, staff and volunteers.
Create a quiet space for people who may find the event distressing.
Ensure the area for activities and eating are well lit.
After the event
Invite feedback from everyone who attended.
Review how things have gone with your team.
Consider what further training would benefit staff, volunteers and community.
Share learning points and tips with other Irish in Britain member groups.
Support for your group from our Cuimhne team
Our Irish in Britain Cuimhne training aims to help volunteers and staff understand dementia and with involving people with dementia and carers in deciding, planning, communicating and participating in activities.
We can also advise on developing services and activities, risk management and evaluation.
Irish in Britain can help through informal workshops or formal accredited training at your centre or online to ensure the events you offer are accessible, culturally sensitive and enjoyable for people living with dementia and their carers.
Please email cuimhne@irishinbritain.org for details.