Internal Briefing Note: What Is a Dementia Action Alliance

What is a Dementia Action Alliance?

The aim of a Dementia Action Alliance is to bring local organisations, groups, and businesses together to improve the lives of people living with Dementia.

Who can join a local Dementia Action Alliance?

Any organisation that is committed to improving their services for people living with dementia.Typical organisations include businesses, shops, bus companies, taxi firms, police forces, fire and rescue services, local authorities, tourist destinations, charities, care providers and health trusts.

What is the difference between a Dementia Action Alliance and a Dementia Friendly Community?

The Dementia Action Alliancerequires member organisations and communities to commit to action plans that aim to improvethe lives of people with dementia.
As a result, the members may receive accreditation for working towards becoming ‘dementia friendly’.
Therefore Dementia Action Alliance is about action; a Dementia Friendly Communityis about recognition and accreditation

What should I expect from Local Dementia Action Alliance membership?

Submit an action plan of how your organisation aims to improve the lives of people living with dementia: support with completing these plans is available if required.
Your own webpage and log in details on the national website so that you can update your action plan progress
Where possible attend quarterly meetings where the alliance can set priorities to meet local needs, help each other to achieve their actions, learn about local training opportunities, and learn from service user experience. Where members are unable to attend a meeting, they will still have the opportunity to be kept up to date via email distribution list.

What are the benefits of joining a local Alliance?

Opportunityto network with members who they may not regularly come into contact with; e.g. sheltered housing networking with transport providers regarding residents accessing local community
Opportunities for members to pool resources
Your thoughts, actions and achievements are one step away from the Prime Minister, who is informed of the National Dementia Action Alliance
Showcase your achievements on the national DAA website
Improve your customer service for people living with dementia
Opportunity to gain dementia friendly accreditation (through Dementia Friendly Community accreditation

How will my organisation, business or group be recognised as being Dementia Friendly?

For a business, group or organisation to gain the dementia friendly status, they have to complete 4 short term actions and agree 1 long term action. Much of this work is based on goodwill and trust, however where possible or randomly a designated member of the Dementia Action Alliance will visit and sign off actions as complete via a review meeting. Once you have completed 4 short terms actions you can apply for the official dementia recognition status (window badge and certificate) for your business or organisation. Each badge and certificate will be valid for a 12 month period and reviewed thereafter. By meeting the above criteria communities will be awarded the use of a logo with the aim of uniting the work nationally.

How do I get involved?