Dementia Australia has awarded more than $385,000 in grants to support 27 communities across Australia to become more dementia-friendly.
Each of the 27 community groups were awarded up to $15,000 to fund dementia-friendly initiatives tailored to the issues and opportunities in their area.
Dementia Australia Executive Director Services, Advocacy & Research Dr Kaele Stokes said one of the keys to the success of such initiatives was that grant recipients would work closely with local people living with dementia.
“We know that discrimination and social isolation have a big impact on people living with dementia,” Dr Stokes said.
“With more than 421,000 Australians living with dementia, and an estimated two-thirds of those living in the community, it is vital that people living with dementia are included in discussions about what support they need to continue to participate in their communities.
“Dementia-friendly communities play a critical role in encouraging inclusivity, respecting the rights of people with dementia and facilitating access to the services, supports, activities and spaces to which every Australian is entitled. Projects like these allow people living with dementia to meaningfully and purposefully contribute to their community.”
This year’s Community Engagement Program grant round was the largest ever pool of funding with grants supporting community associations, businesses, organisations and groups to develop dementia-friendly projects that reflected community need.
Five grant rounds have been delivered so far, with funds totalling more than $1.1 million delivered to more than 90 groups.
The 2024 grant round prioritised projects that meaningfully consulted and collaborated with people impacted by dementia in their design and delivery, brought together collaborative local partnerships and met the needs of diverse communities.
A full list of the community groups awarded a grant can be found on our website.
This Dementia Australia initiative received funding from the Australian Government.
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Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 421,000 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.6 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.
For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au
Media contacts: Leisa Hurst, Senior Media and Communications Advisor, 0487 763 459 [email protected]
When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.
Note to Editors:
We request, where possible, details for the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 appear alongside news stories about dementia, as these stories often prompt questions or concerns:
If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.
