Early Stage Dementia Training

About this event

A practical, interactive online training session designed for museums and heritage organisations, facilitators and volunteers who want to confidently welcome and work with people living with early-stage dementia. The session focuses on creative, person-centred approaches that support meaningful engagement with collections, exhibitions and spaces, ensuring visitors can connect with your site in an enjoyable and enriching way. 

Aim

To build skills and confidence in communicating and working creatively with people experiencing early-stage dementia and those who accompany them. The training supports organisations to broaden their audience reach, strengthen inclusive practice, and offer heritage and arts experiences that are accessible, respectful and enriching for all visitors. 

By the end of the session, participants will be able to: 

• Demonstrate an understanding of different types of dementia and how they may affect visitors in the early stages 

• Recognise how dementia can influence a person’s abilities, confidence and emotional experience when navigating cultural spaces 

• Apply key communication approaches that support dignity, comfort and meaningful interaction 

• Explain the value and impact of heritage-based and arts-based engagement for people living with dementia 

• Confidently engage participants in creative, sensory or collection-based activities that encourage connection, self-expression and new skills 

The event will be delivered via Zoom using a range of exercises and interactive features including Chat and Breakout Rooms, and will include regular breaks. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and actively participate in discussion. If you have any concerns about accessibility or usability for these features please contact enquiries@mdmidlands.org.uk  

This event supports the Arts Council England Inclusivity and Relevance Investment Principle  

About the trainer 

Arts for Dementia transform the lives of people living with dementia and those who care for them, through the joy of the arts. Since 2011 they have delivered and championed meaningful artistic activities that profoundly enhance wellbeing and harness creative skills that we know remain vibrant for years after diagnosis. They aim to build a community that helps people live life to the full.  

Who should attend? 

This event is suitable for staff and volunteers working in learning, engagement and visitor-experience teams, arts and cultural facilitators, Front-of-house teams. 

Maximum two delegates per organisation. Priority will be given to delegates from non-NPO and non-National museums in the Midlands which are Accredited or officially Working Towards Accreditation.  

Please note: We require you to complete the full booking form in order to confirm your eligibility for the session. The main booking form questions will appear after you have been through the 'check out' process. If you do not complete this form we will be in contact and reserve the right to cancel your ticket if we do not receive a response. 

Accessibility 

This event will be auto-captioned through Zoom. If you would benefit from any other form of access support, including live captioning, please answer ‘yes’ to the access requirements question on the booking form and email the MDM team as early as possible stating the support you require. 

All participants will receive an email containing a Zoom link to the training prior to the event. The email will be sent to the email address used for booking. If you have not received an email the day before the event please contact us. 

https://mdmidlands.org.uk/training-accessibility-statement 

Important Information 

https://mdmidlands.org.uk/code-of-conduct  

https://mdmidlands.org.uk/booking-terms-and-conditions  

Contact Us 

If you need any further information or would like to speak to a member of the team please contact us:  

Enquiries@mdmidlands.org.uk 

01952 435 943