Conversations with 67 people living with dementia, and family and friend carers across London, the southeast, Yorkshire, and Lancashire informed this report, along with people working for the NHS, academic institutions, and local and voluntary groups.

The conversations focused on what matters to people and what could make a difference.  Many highlighted the importance of having a life beyond dementia, feeling recognised and valued, and having opportunities to be helpful. Staying connected and not feeling alone were crucial, as was freedom from negative attitudes and stigma. Additionally, people expressed the need for better guidance and support, as well as support and breaks for family and friend carers.

The report outlines nine practical actions to improve the lives of people living with dementia. These include the need for greater community-based support, with more opportunities for people living with dementia to stay connected and active. It also calls for investment in early and ongoing support from diagnosis until death, alongside a stronger focus on tackling stigma and harmful stereotypes. Additionally, improving accessibility in housing, public spaces, and services, and harnessing technology for better support are also critical for creating more inclusive communities.

We hope this report will inspire renewed energy and collaboration to make these ideas a reality, so we can create communities where everyone has the opportunity to flourish.

Neil Crowther, co-author of this report, says:

“There are as yet no ‘cures’ for dementia, but there are many ways to avoid or heal the loss of connection, purpose and sense of identity and self-worth that too many people living with dementia told us harms their health, wellbeing, and that of people with whom they shared their lives. Our report focuses on the place-based social innovation and community development that is already helping people and families across the country to live each day as best they can, and puts forward some ideas for how these could inspire and inform action everywhere.”

To read the report, visit the TLAP resource page.