Hear Our Voice- Guidelines for Involving People with Dementia in Policy, Advisory, Consultation and Conference Activities

The Irish Dementia Working Group IDWG is an advocacy group of people with a diagnosis of dementia who work to share their experiences and highlight issues important to them. By amplifying the voice of people living with dementia they aim to improve understanding of the condition and supports for those affected by dementia. The IDWG works to influence public policy, raise awareness, engage in political advocacy and destigmatise dementia by speaking publicly and in the media.

The Irish Dementia Working Group, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and the Centre for Economic and Social Research on Dementia are working together to develop "Best Practice Guidelines" on involving people with dementia on committees, advisory groups, consultation processes and other forms of engagement. Being actively involved in these activities is very important for group members, and all speak of the benefits to them of being involved in maintaining their abilities and general wellbeing. They want to ensure other people living with dementia can reap these benefits by ensuring meaningful involvement.