The aim of this final major project is to explore different approaches to increase awareness of dementia in 12–17-year-old adolescents, who lack knowledge and struggle to understand a complex and rapidly increasing health problem. The brief objective is to design an awareness initiative to increase knowledge of dementia and challenge stigma.
I created a new dementia school awareness day named ‘I am me.’ The awareness day centred on the theme of personhood in dementia and aims to increase adolescent knowledge, challenge stigma, and help create a dementia friendly generation. The project was created in collaboration with the charity Cleveland Alzheimer’s Residential Centre Ltd.
The ‘I am me’ awareness day provides school with a PowerPoint presentation that is split into four parts covering an introduction to dementia, supporting a person with dementia, living well with dementia and knowledge into action. To help teachers deliver the session, they will be also be provided with access to pre-made lesson plans and dementia information. This can be accessed and downloaded through the I am me website. Finally, the awareness day provides students with a ‘kid’s kit’ which includes a draw-string bag, a pen, a pin badge, and a workbook. The workbook will follow the presentation and will provide students with class activities and a range of information they can take home.
