About Us
The EMPOWER Dementia Network+ is a national network committed to addressing inequalities in dementia care and research. We do this by using co-production to engage and include underrepresented groups in dementia research, services, and policy. Funded by Alzheimer’s Society, Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), we bring together lived experts, community partners, researchers, and health and care professionals from across primary, social dementia, and palliative care to co-develop inclusive, impactful solutions.
Themes:
We address inequalities in dementia care and research by pursuing five interconnected themes. Each theme reflects an area where inclusive research and collaborative action can drive meaningful change. These themes will also guide the projects we fund in the future.
Meaningful engagement of underrepresented groups
Including people from ethnically diverse groups, people who live alone, those in economically deprived or rural areas, and individuals with severe dementia or multiple health conditions in both dementia care and research.
Innovating inclusive research approaches
Focusing on community and co-production approaches, innovation and capacity building to meaningfully engage underrepresented groups
Addressing inequalities in dementia care
Better understanding lived experiences and co-creating solutions for change
Self-care for family carers
To prevent crisis and meet changing needs throughout the carer journey with dementia
Digital inclusion
Harnessing digital innovations to optimise high-quality and timely care to people affected by dementia where they want to be cared for
Our Mission
We believe it is possible to live a meaningful life with dementia, but that there are unfair and avoidable inequalities in access to dementia care. Our network has come together to:
Work together to find creative ways to make a positive difference in dementia care.
Raise the voices of people from marginalised, vulnerable and underserved groups.
Find new ways to do research that means more people with dementia can take part.
Core Team:
The Core Team is working in partnership with our lived-experience group PLEDGE, who you can find out more about on Our Network page
Catherine Evans
Network Co-lead
Emma Wolverson
Network Co-lead
Andy Bradshaw
Network Manager & Researcher
Ankita Bhojwani
Researcher
Laiba Ahmad
Researcher
Faye Watson
Public and Community Engagement Specialist
Lived Experts:
Diane Bushnell, Deborah Smith, Diane Smith, Eric Deeson, Hina Adeel, Mohammad Jasimuddin, Ronald Amanze
Timeline:
