How Alzheimer’s Research UK works with community champions to share health information
Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Dementia Community Champions™ programme supports volunteers to share clear, trusted information about dementia in underserved communities. These communities are also at a higher risk of developing dementia.
Over the last three years, South Asian and African and Caribbean Champions have delivered 60 brain health‑themed events across the Midlands and London, reaching almost 5,000 people.
Thousands of booklets shared – with the PIF TICK
Nearly 10,000 health information booklets have been shared at these events. These include culturally appropriate resources about brain health and taking part in dementia research.
All materials were co‑designed with the Champions to make sure they were clear, relevant and accessible.
A How to get a dementia diagnosis fold‑out leaflet was also co‑developed. Feedback showed the language worked for a wide audience. The leaflet is now PIF TICK certified and available for everyone.
Learning from this programme has helped Alzheimer’s Research UK identify trusted community spaces for sharing health information. This shows how working alongside communities improves the clarity, relevance and reach of patient information beyond traditional settings.
Feedback from community shows scheme benefit
Quotes from Dementia Community Champions event attendees and volunteers included:
- “Today being here, I feel reassured that I am not making things up. I wish more people would understand instead of making me feel uncomfortable. Thank you for today.”
- “My wife was getting very forgetful. Family members thought she was exaggerating because she would remember certain other conversations. Our GP is very good, he sent us to the memory clinic and later she was given medication, but my wife refused to take any treatment. Thank you today for helping her understand why medication is so important.”
- “I wanted to thank you both for delivering the excellent training on becoming a Dementia Community Champion. The team and I enjoyed the training days, the conversations, and the resources are so good and well thought through.”
Read more about how the scheme was developed on the charity’s website here.