Dementia Carers Count is a small national charity with a powerful mission: to ensure that no one caring for a person with dementia feels isolated, overwhelmed or alone. The organisation provides information, advice and support to thousands of dementia carers every year. They campaign with dementia carers for changes to health and social care systems and services that will make the most difference to their lives and their ability to cope.
The charity provides dementia carers with practical and emotional advice and support through a free Carer Support Line, online peer support groups and a range of online resources. The charity’s latest annual survey of dementia carers shows that many feel unable to keep caring and one in two are caring without any support in place.
Dementia affects more than 1 million families, yet not everyone working in care settings receives formal dementia training. From clinical teams to administrative staff, many professionals interact daily with people living with dementia, without structured learning to support them. Dementia Carers Count recognised that improving foundational knowledge across the sector would not only strengthen professional confidence but also transform the experience of families navigating dementia.
As a Professional Carer from A Class Care reflected:
“I found the dementia training very insightful. I have a strong knowledge of dementia already but I did learn new things, especially about different coloured plates can determine how much a service user eats and other trigger points. I'm a visual learner and I like that there wasn't too much text on the sides bombarding with too much information. It was nicely spaced out. I also enjoyed hearing other people's perspectives and experiences with dementia as it's different for everyone.”
Even experienced staff discovered practical insights that positively changed their approach to care. This highlights the value of structured training for all levels of experience within the sector.
To address this need, Dementia Carers Count developed the Tier 1 Foundation Level Dementia Training: a comprehensive, CPD-accredited course aligned with the National Dementia Training Standards Framework.
Endorsed by NOCN Group, the programme enhances knowledge, skills and confidence when communicating with people living with dementia and their families.
Designed for any staff member who may come into contact with dementia, including non-clinical roles, the one-day course is delivered remotely or in person by a specialist dementia trainer and includes live Q&A and interactive discussion.
The course enables participants to:
For care providers such as A Class Care, the results have been tangible.
“The dementia training delivered by DCC was incredibly informative and insightful. It has enhanced our care team's understanding of those living with dementia, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to provide more compassionate and tailored support. They now feel more confident in creating a positive environment for the individuals they support. Thank you for this learning experience!”
Bethany, Care Quality Manager, A Class Care
“The dementia training delivered by DCC was highly engaging and provided our team with practical, actionable tips on how best to support someone living with dementia. The session was both informative and interactive, leaving the team feeling more equipped and confident. A fantastic learning experience!”
Krystal, Care Quality Officer, A Class Care
By combining frontline expertise with nationally recognised endorsement, Dementia Carers Count and NOCN Group are helping raise the baseline of dementia awareness across health and social care.
The result is more than training. It leads to greater confidence, stronger communication and more compassionate support for people living with dementia - and for those who care for them.
For organisations committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care, the Tier 1 Foundation Level Dementia Training offers a practical step towards lasting impact in dementia care.
To book, email partnerships@dementiacarers.org.uk.