Free places are available for Dementia and Social Connection training in Livingston through the Connected Lives programme, which aims to empower Scotland's third sector to deliver dementia-friendly events, activities and services.
Booking is now live for the free training programme from Befriending Networks, which will be coming to Livingston on Wednesday, August 12. The training is designed to help third sector staff, volunteers and unpaid carers feel more confident supporting people living with dementia to build meaningful connections.
Research suggests that social isolation is a key risk factor for developing dementia. Alzheimer’s Research UK estimates that if everyone kept socially connected, there would be five fewer cases of dementia for every 100 people who develop it now.
Training Details and Content
Over six hours of learning with an experienced facilitator (3.5 for online sessions), attendees will gain the skills and confidence they need to deliver dementia-friendly events and services. The course blends research, case studies and practical advice with lots of opportunities for discussion and peer learning.
Connected Lives training is CPD-accredited and includes access to the Connected Lives Good Practice Guide, a new dementia training resource created for the project. In-person training sessions will be facilitated by Edel Roddy, a freelance trainer whose passion for creating spaces for connection and learning has taken her across the breadth of Scotland, the UK and even to Australia.
Programme Background and Quotes
The Connected Lives Dementia and Social Connection course has been created by Befriending Networks’ Learning and Development Manager, Victoria Galloway. She said: “Through my years delivering dementia training at Befriending Networks, I’ve seen the powerful difference meaningful connections can make. For people living with dementia, staying socially connected supports wellbeing, brain health and quality of life. I’m excited for our Connected Lives events, which will bring together staff, volunteers and carers to highlight the positive impact they can have on people living with dementia and to support them in building and nurturing meaningful relationships.”
Befriending Networks is an Edinburgh-based charity that supports organisations to deliver services that create meaningful connections. They have been providing sector-specific training, resources and awards for the befriending sector for over 30 years.
Funding and Availability
Funded through the Scottish Government’s Dementia Resilient Communities Fund, the Connected Lives project contributes to the Scottish Government’s dementia strategy, which prioritises the development of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce with access to the highest-quality dementia education and training.
Training will also take place in 19 other locations across Scotland, and online sessions will be available for those unable to attend in person. To find out more and book your free training session, visit befriending.co.uk/product/cl-livingston. Places are limited to up to 2 per organisation. Demand is expected to be high, so booking early is advised.
