The 18th UK Dementia Congress 2024
The 18th UK Dementia Congress 2024 was a truly inspiring and memorable event held in Coventry on 26/27th November.
Over two days, I had the pleasure of meeting countless like minded individuals, all passionate and driven to make a difference for people living with dementia and their families. Many of which until now had been just faces on a screen. The energy of being together can never be underestimated.
As one of the authors featured on the Reading Well Dementia booklist, I felt both humbled and privileged to present during the plenary session on the first day. I shared the stage with Keith and Maxine, who are living with dementia, and Lara, who was interviewed by Rachael Litherland from Innovations in Dementia.
They spoke about their involvement as part of the co-production team. Following this, Ruth Eley from Together in Dementia Everyday, along with family carers Katey and Cecilia who all shared their moving stories and emphasised the importance of reading. Our half an hour address concluded beautifully with two poignant and heartfelt poems by Keith and Maxine, leaving the audience deeply touched.
Speaking to a room of over 200 attendees, all eagerly anticipating the insights and opportunities the event would bring, was both humbling and exhilarating.
The presentation that followed set an incredible tone for the event. Graham Galloway, CEO, and Ron Coleman, Chair of Meeting Centres Scotland, discussed Scotland’s dynamic National Dementia Strategy and future plans, offering an inspiring vision.
The exhibition stands were a vibrant hub of connection and learning, sparking fascinating conversations as stories were shared and offerings showcased.
With so many workshops and presentations to choose from, it was difficult to decide where to focus. I attended sessions aligned with some of my key interests, including advanced dementia and end-of-life and Namaste Care, Young Onset Dementia (YOD), and training. The afternoon plenary sessions featured a wide range of engaging panel discussions which followed after an outstanding presentation by Dr. Jane Murray on ‘environmental lies in supporting personhood’. This controversial topic provided thought-provoking insights and takeaways.
Another plenary session featured was the enthusiastic presentation by Dr. Jeremy Isaac, National Clinical Director for Dementia, NHS England. He addressed variations in support across the country, provided an overview of the team’s focus—including improving diagnosis rates, post-diagnostic support, and new government plans—and left attendees feeling informed about future advancements.
The event was skilfully led by Sue Benson and the team at Dementia Community, a cooperative membership organisation who hosted the Congress. The networking opportunities were invaluable, allowing me to reconnect with many colleagues and friends while forging new connections.
I look forward to the 19th UK Dementia Congress next autumn.
For just £1, you can join Dementia Community and become part of a network dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by dementia. Learn more here: https://journalofdementiacare.co.uk/dementia-community-membership
The Journal of Dementia Care is part of the Dementia Publishing Community Benefit Society, a cooperative supported by subscriptions and investments. To join the community or subscribe, visit: www.journalofdementiacare.co.uk
Gina Awad is a Dementia Consultant who founded and leads the Exeter Dementia Action Alliance. She is the author of United: Caring for Our Loved Ones Living with Dementia and hosts the Living Better with Dementia radio show on Phonic FM, airing on the fifth Saturday of each month. Additionally, she serves as a Carer Representative for the Royal College of Psychiatrists on their Memory Services National Accreditation Programme (MSNAP).
