resources with the potential to reach multiple
generations. Utilising YouTube and Facebook
to screen the resources has proven to be a
popular and effective strategy in reaching
individual families, informing and empowering
communities both domestically and
internationally.
information in this social context allows for
more than a medical discussion; the short films
and carer digital stories are an ideal mechanism
for acknowledging and debunking stigma and
shame that stand equally alongside a lack of
medical knowledge as the major inhibitors of
CaLD communities accessing services.
that are palatable, relevant and ethno specific
with the objective of increasing rates of
dementia diagnosis and service uptake
amongst those communities that traditionally
do not come forward. Visible, enthusiastic
support and input from the communities
has been a vital element. Resources that
feature medical professionals, community
workers, respected leaders of each community
alongside `every day' families living with
dementia differentiates these resources
from others. With an emphasis on telling
real life stories by people speaking on film
of how dementia presented in their lives,
the participants ` speak' directly to their
communities in a context that is understood by
the targeted audiences .
of dedicating a position to community and
dementia sector capacity building that focuses
on networking, liaison, resourcing, information
sharing and project leadership to improve
responsiveness to dementia.
North Coast Area of NSW currently has the
highest prevalence of dementia in the state
and is projected to retain this number one
ranking over the next 40 years. The area itself
comprises around 12.5% of the state's total
Aboriginal population and has been identified
as one of the state's main geographical
clusters of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender
and Intersex populations.
key stakeholders using a range of governance
structures has facilitated local participation,
empowerment and self-determination for
delivering priorities at the local level. These
include improved community awareness
of dementia and dementia risk reduction,
earlier diagnosis and a more integrated and
responsive service system to better address
the service and support needs of people living
with dementia and their carers.
capacity building practices used and provide
examples of governance structures employed.
Discussion on challenges faced along the way,
lessons learned and outcomes achieved to
date will highlight how each have contributed