About the Dementia Advocates Program
The Dementia Advocates Program provides an opportunity for people living with dementia, carers and former carers to share their stories, identify current issues and positively effect change.
All you need to be part of the program is an interest in wanting to make a difference. Dementia Australia and Dementia Advocates work together to raise awareness of dementia, to tackle stigma and discrimination, and to influence decision-makers across government and the aged care and disability sectors.
Through sharing our stories, we help to inform and empower others and, ultimately, create positive system change with and for people living with dementia, their families and carers.
What does being a Dementia Advocate involve?
The first step is getting to know the Dementia Australia team and the team getting to know you. If you decide to become a Dementia Advocate you can be involved as much or as little as you like.
Dementia Advocates are invited to participate in a range of activities which we promote under the broad banner of dementia advocacy, including:
- Sharing your thoughts and experiences through surveys, workshops or interviews
- Working with researchers and research funders to set research priorities
- Participating as a representative on advisory boards or committees
- Raising awareness by sharing your story in a range of ways, including with the media, on social media, through campaigns, public speaking and more
- Providing feedback on policy, programs, services and new technology
You can step down from the Program at any time. There is no minimum commitment and you can choose how and when you want to participate.
Want to become a Dementia Advocate?
People living with dementia, as well as carers and former carers of people with dementia can become a Dementia Advocate.
Interested? We would love to hear from you.
To complete an online application form please click here.
Please note Dementia Australia welcomes and encourages the involvement of people from diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people in rural and remote areas, people at risk of homelessness and people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or intersex.
If you have any questions or would prefer to complete the online application form over the phone please email advocates@dementia.org.au or call the team member for the State or Territory you live in.
- NSW - Lance Dale - 0409 063 877
- QLD - Kylie Johnson - 0482 183 169
- VIC and TAS - Kerri-Ann Tipping - 0436 276 084
- SA and NT - Jackie Hayes - 0490 427 779
- WA - Renae Brennan - 0482 163 704
- ACT - Elena Sutcliffe - 0429 515 957
Work with a Dementia Advocate
People living with dementia, carers and former carers are experts by experience.
It’s important that wherever decisions are being made that impact people living with dementia and their carers that their voices are heard.
Dementia Australia welcomes collaborative projects where organisations or individuals work together with people living with dementia, carers and former carers.
To request to work with a Dementia Advocate, please complete this form.
Systemic vs. Individual Advocacy
The Dementia Advocates Program provides people living with dementia, carers and former carers with a meaningful way to share their stories, identify current issues and positively affect change at a system level. This kind of change is called systemic advocacy and is different from individual advocacy, where you may be seeking to convey the wishes or views of one individual.
If you need support for individual advocacy you can contact the Older Person’s Advocacy Network on 1800 700 600 or visit their request advocacy help or information page.