Dementia Advocates Program
About the Dementia Advocates Program
The Dementia Advocates Program provides opportunities for people living with dementia, carers and former carers to share their stories, identify current issues and positively effect change.
Dementia Advocates are involved across all aspects of our operations, including:
- Client services
- Media
- Marketing
- Research
- Policy submissions
- Dementia-Friendly Communities
- Quality dementia care
- Learning and education products.
Dementia Advocates are also involved in activities to raise awareness of dementia, tackle stigma and discrimination and influence change. This is often called systemic advocacy.
Systemic advocacy is different from individual advocacy, where you may support one individual with a particular issue. If you need support for individual advocacy, contact the Older Person’s Advocacy Network on 1800 700 600, or visit their Request Advocacy Help or Information page.
What Dementia Advocates do
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
- working with researchers to design or advise on dementia research
- raising awareness by sharing your story with the media, on social media, through campaigns or public speaking
- providing feedback on policy, programs, services and new technology
- participating as a representative on advisory boards or committees.
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.
Chat with our friendly team to find out more
When you join the Dementia Advocates Program, we’ll be here to support you. You will:
- receive a welcome guide
- get the opportunity to join an online induction session to understand your role and how you can help
- have the chance to meet other Advocates, both locally and nationally
- be supported by your local Consumer Engagement Coordinator.
Please note: Only people living with Dementia and their unpaid carers can become Dementia Advocates. This program is not suitable for paid or professional carers.
Become a Dementia Advocate
You can fill out the form above to have a chat to someone in the team about becoming an advocate, or if you’re ready to sign up straight away, you can click on this link below.
We encourage people from diverse backgrounds - including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people living in rural and remote areas, and people with diverse sexualities and gender identities - to take part in the Dementia Advocates Program.
“It’s easy to feel powerless against this disease, and being an Advocate has empowered me and given me purpose through both good and bad times. I'm so grateful for all of the opportunities I've been given as part of this program.”
— Erica, Dementia Advocate