City dementia conference

Over 100 people came together in Perth last week to celebrate the work being done to help people living with dementia.

The fourth national conference of Dementia Ambassadors was held on Friday, February 23 at the Queens Hotel in the Fair City, where ambassadors gathered together to celebrate their leading role in learning, supporting and connecting people who are living with dementia.

Since the organisation was set up in 2012, it has been leading the way in promoting excellence in knowledge and skills in social services and other organisations across Scotland.

Speaking at the gathering in Perth, Professor James McGoldrick, convener of the Scottish Social Services Council, said: “The reach and connections generated by this network of over 850 dementia ambassadors represents every single local authority area in Scotland. We have ambassadors in colleges, day care services, mainstream housing services, with most ambassadors currently working within care homes.

“Their hard work, valuable networks and contribution to improving lives is recognised and valued by the Scottish Social Services Council and its partners and evidenced in the Care Inspectorate report [which said 73 per cent of care home staff provided excellent framework care].

“Today we celebrate what they do, the progress they continue to make and support their development to influence positive outcomes for people living with dementia.”