Developing Dementia Care Champions of Change: How Training, Support and Lived Experience Drive Sustainable Practice Change in Two UK Care Homes

Parallel 5

18 November, 2026 2:10 – 3:20 pm

Cultivating Champions: Staff Development and Compassionate Support in Care Homes

Penny Johns

 Dementia Practitioner 

 Jewish Care 

About

Esmiranda Mensah

 Team Leader 

 Jewish Care 

About

Summary

This presentation evaluates the development and impact of a Dementia Champion training and support programme implemented across two care homes over a period 2023 – 2026. The project aimed to strengthen dementia inclusive practice by equipping selected staff with enhanced knowledge, reflective skills, and confidence to lead change within their teams. Drawing on pre and post training evaluation data, staff feedback, and lived experience accounts, the session will demonstrate how structured training, ongoing mentorship, and peer support can shift organisational culture and improve outcomes for residents living with dementia.

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