People with dementia invited to join new national advisory panel

People living with dementia in Scotland are being invited to join a new advisory panel.

The national, independent group is being established to help shape policy and delivery.

It will aim to ensure that the Scottish Government is fully considering the impact of policy and funding decisions on those who experience them first hand.

The group will also be open to unpaid carers, with an expectation that it will be established before the end of the year.

It was announced by the Scottish Government at the start of Dementia Awareness Week, which runs from Monday, May 30 until Sunday, June 5.

Minister for mental wellbeing and social care Kevin Stewart indicated that only those living with dementia and those with first-hand experience can fully know the complexities of it.

“The voice of experience is a crucial part of our policy making process, and making sure that it is factored in as early as possible in making important decisions is key to improving services across the country,” he said.

“Only someone living with dementia, their loved ones and carers fully know the complexities and nuances of dealing with it.

“We already have a very active lived experience voice in dementia support and this panel will help to amplify it.

“Dementia activists across the world us the motto ‘Nothing about us, without us’ and this group will put this into practise.”