Innovations in Dementia hosts the DEEP Network, just four Directors – Rachael Litherland, Philly Hare, Damian Murphy and Steve Milton. They employ one full time person, Rachel, who coordinates the DEEP Network and two very part time, but strong right armed, admin (and so much more) in the guise of Anna and Kate.
These projects are just a snapshot of the work Innovations are involved with. We would all say that none of us could do this without people who are living with dementia who are part of the DEEP network and other projects at the heart of this work and all that we do.
The ‘Tip-Share’ website
This new website, to be launched very soon, will be the place where people with dementia share their tips – about any aspect of life – with people with dementia. People with dementia can share their tips and ideas by emailing
Contact is Philly Hare . Hashtag is #DementiaTipshare
The ‘Hundred Stories’ project
Many people are being supported by their communities during Covid-19, including people who aren’t digitally connected and usually hidden from services and support. People with dementia are also finding new roles in their local and/or virtual communities and working out how to support each other. We are researching and compiling these stories so people can hear and learn from them. Contact
‘Crystal Clear’ films
Steve Milton is producing more short, accessible films to help people with dementia to stay connected using technology. Contact
The ‘Getting Along’ programme – for couples
We know that, with the presence of a dementia, relationships can be strained. The lockdown has made this situation even harder for many couples. ‘Getting Along’ is a programme that looks to help couples to avoid a lot of the traps that dementia sets. Contact is Damian Murphy . Hashtag #GettingAlong
- We will be running virtual Getting Along programmes to support couples anywhere in the UK. If you want to find out more, or if you know someone who might benefit, contact Damian
- We are also creating a series of online tutorials for couples where a partner has been diagnosed with a dementia. These short 5 minute pieces will be freely available.
- We will also be running a Getting Along facilitators programme for up to 32 people across the UK, so the approach can be used as widely as possible. There are a few places left, so book quickly with Damian.
Libraries
We will be working on making the best use of the library network (across the East Riding of Yorkshire, and Devon) to combat isolation and to bring people together when they might not have been able to previously. There’s never a library too far away. Contact Damian Murphy
Dementia Craftivists
People who are living with dementia are using their creations to make supportive and enjoyable links across communities. Our project is all about the pride in creating something yourself from scratch (whether it’s knitting, painting, song or play-writing, poetry, woodwork, or much more)… while sending, if you so choose, your own message to others.
In sharing the things we are producing with the wider world, we are demonstrating the talents, skills and resilience of people with dementia. Our overarching message is ‘We Can!’
There will be:
- online ‘watch-and-learn’ sessions, delivered by people with dementia
- a new web page to showcase the crafts created (with video and audio content too)
- links with care homes (through a partnership with NAPA)
- branded labels for craftivists to use in sharing their creations with others
Contact Philly Hare at . Hashtag #DementiaCraftivists
DEEP (the UK Network of Dementia Voices)
The network continues to grow and develop, with over 100 groups around the UK. They provide peer support and a safe place to connect, and many groups are working for local or wider change. Contact Rachel Niblock at for more information or go to https://www.dementiavoices.org.uk/
Dementia Diaries
This UK-wide project brings together people’s diverse experiences of living with dementia as a series of audio diaries. It serves as a public record and a personal archive that documents the views, reflections and day-to-day lives of people living with dementia, with the aim of prompting dialogue and changing attitudes. Any person with dementia who has the capacity to understand the project can become a Diarist.
More information at https://dementiadiaries.org/ or contact
