The Dementia Services Development Trust (DSDT) is calling for proposals for short projects that will generate new thinking about dementia.

There is a public perception of dementia as an aggressive and merciless illness. It has been described as “the never-ending funeral”. Very often media coverage reinforces this extremely unhelpful perception by publishing messages of hope about “cures” that are highly speculative or even fake news.  This leads to misrepresentation and negative social reactions. As a result, those affected by the illness are made to feel even more insecure and anxious. The problems of dementia become heavier to bear because of the way it has been framed in public perception.  One of the Trust’s ambitions is re-framing dementia in a more balanced way to support improvement in the lives of those affected by dementia.

In 2012, the European Foundations’ Initiative on Dementia held a workshop on ‘Reframing Dementia’ in Dundalk in Ireland. This focussed on how to develop and promote new perspectives in communication about dementia. Professor Baldwin Van Gorp presented an analysis of research he had undertaken at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in a paper called Reframing Dementia.  You can find the presentation here.

The Trust will consider a wide range of projects including art installations, communications campaigns, workshops, publications, photography . . . or any other project that meets the criteria. The amount awarded will be up to £10,000 for each project and the Trust anticipates funding up to three projects in the first round.  Further details can be found here.

Note to Editors

The DSDT is an independent charity that has been supporting improvements for people with dementia and their carers for over thirty years.  Contact us at admin@dementiatrust.org.uk or visit our website at www.dementiatrust.org.uk for more information