CAD Brent Lunch and Talent Show
What a wonderful afternoon we had at our CAD Brent Lunch and Talent Show last week!
We were joined by around 100 people from across the Dementia Café Network, with some of our guests also taking to the stage to share their talents. We enjoyed performances from a pianist, saxophonist and several singers, as well as poetry recitals. The afternoon was rounded off beautifully by our Songs of Joy Choir, who wrapped up the show with their wonderful performance.
Giving Our Dementia Community a Voice
We also used the event as an opportunity to gather feedback from our clients on behalf of the Dementia Steering Group. Attendees were asked to vote for their top five priorities, and the response was loud and clear.
Our dementia community told us that statutory health and welfare services cannot continue to rely on unpaid carers without providing proper support. To help people living with dementia remain as well as possible, for as long as possible, in their own homes — and to reduce pressure on already stretched health and social care services — statutory providers must step up and meet these five key demands:
It was a fantastic opportunity for people living with dementia and their carers to showcase their talents in a supportive and loving environment. Everyone who took part helped to create a wonderfully positive and uplifting atmosphere.
A quiz also helped to get people chatting over lunch, giving attendees the opportunity to meet others, forge new relationships and build connections within the dementia community. Creating these opportunities to come together is so important in helping to reduce isolation and loneliness.
- Seamless, Integrated Care
Statutory health and social care agencies must break down silos and work together. Families should not have to navigate bureaucratic gaps between services to access the care and support they need. - Proactive Carer Support & Action Planning
Carers are under enormous pressure. Statutory services must provide individualised, proactive support and structured respite to help prevent burnout and maintain stability at home. - Dedicated Funding for Dementia Cafés
Statutory bodies must fund and help expand the CAD Brent Dementia Café Network. These cafés are vital lifelines that tackle isolation, build resilience and keep people living with dementia and their families connected within their communities. - Targeted Public Health Campaigns
Local NHS and council leaders must commit to raising awareness across the community. Urgent action is needed to tackle stigma, improve understanding and create a genuinely dementia-friendly Brent. - Fast-Track NHS & GP Access for Early Diagnosis
Primary care providers must reduce delays and ensure timely, equal access to GP appointments and diagnostic pathways, allowing families to access support and early interventions before a crisis occurs.
Our lunch and talent show was a wonderful celebration of the creativity, abilities and strength within our dementia community — but it was also an important reminder that people living with dementia and their carers deserve to be heard. We will continue to ensure their voices are represented and that their experiences help shape the services and support available across Brent.
A massive thank you to Snr Rice and all the staff at the Friendship Centre for her help and support. Also, to The National Lottery Community Fund and The Edward Harvist Trust for their support in making this evet a huge success.
