A pilot programme by National Museums Liverpool (NML) created to improve dementia care will soon be rolled out across the UK after great success during its trial run.

NML’s Train the Trainer scheme, the first of its kind, is designed for carers of people living with dementia, using a series of documentary-style films and discussions to guide participants through issues surrounding dementia care.

According to an independent evaluation by the Institute of Cultural Capital, the museum-led scheme resulted in 97 per cent of participants agreeing that they understood the principles of person-centred care and 100 per cent of participants agreeing that they understood what living well with dementia meant.

The Tier 2 dementia care training scheme was commissioned by Health Education England and was built on the success of NML’s House of Memories programme, which has trained more than 10,000 family or professional carers in person-centred dementia since its creation in 2012.

“The new House of Memories Tier 2 training programme is the next exciting step in our journey. We are most grateful to our partners who offered valuable guidance and support,” said Carol Rogers, NML executive director of Education and Visitors.

“Our aim is to cascade the House of Memories Tier 2 across the UK to ensure that National Museums Liverpool continues to deliver innovative and museum-led training and resources for health and social care professionals.”

“We see museums as experts in looking after memories, so we have used our own sector knowledge to develop the House of Memories training and resources to help to support people living with dementia and their carers,” added Lucy Cattell, NML communications manager.

“Our approach has given health and social care professionals a unique perspective on how to engage, support and communicate with people living with dementia, which is why Train the Trainer has proved to be so valuable in terms of the insight it provides.”

Following the pilot scheme, the finalised Train the Trainer model will be available for roll out across the UK in 2017/2018.

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