After training as an assistant psychologist, Rajvinder Johal volunteers in a mental health capacity but after going through a particular situation in her own life, she wanted to do more and make a bigger difference.
“I sadly have lived experience of Alzheimer’s since my grandma was diagnosed so wanted to get involved to help others. I searched online but found mostly events and fundraising campaigns. I found out about the the Dementia Community Champions programme and luckily, I got onto the training,” said Rajvinder.
Increasing knowledge and understanding of dementia
The Dementia Community Champions programme in Leicester is being delivered by Reaching People and Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Dementia Community Champions are volunteers trained by Alzheimer’s Research UK to increase knowledge and understanding of dementia, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, brain health and the steps we can all take to reduce our risk of getting dementia and the importance of taking part in research.
People from South Asian backgrounds are at a higher risk of developing dementia. While the reasons for this are not fully understood, certain cultural and social factors, as well as higher risks of other health conditions like diabetes and stroke, may play a role. Additionally, people from minority ethnic communities are often underserved in terms of access to health information, research and support.
Making a change in the community
Rajvinder completed the two-day training, has attended a few events and has also facilitated her own event at a local Gurdwara.
Rajvinder continues: “I was the youngest volunteer on the programme but it’s been great to see how welcoming everybody is. When I was struggling, I didn't find any support groups who could help me.
“Although, it challenges my emotions, I can redirect this energy in a more helpful way. I’m happy to be able to speak for people and offer support to younger people.
"We need to let people know that dementia is something that exists and the programme is a really good starting step, no matter how difficult that conversation is. I really want to highlight it and make a change in my community – it’s not spoken about and the earlier the prevention, the better.”
Breaking silence in the community
Talking about her grandma’s condition, Rajvinder said: “When the official diagnosis came - Alzheimer’s - it hit me hard. I remember feeling scared, confused and helpless. Watching someone you love slowly lose pieces of who they were is incredibly painful. It feels like I am grieving someone who is still physically with us.
“In our culture, especially in Punjabi families, there’s often silence around dementia. It can be isolating. Seeing how it affected me and my family, it made me realise how much support is needed.
“Becoming a Dementia Champion provides me with the space to turn the pain into something meaningful; channel my experience into helping others, raising awareness and encouraging open conversations in our community. My grandma taught me resilience and to never keep things bottled up, so this is me honouring her by breaking silence in our community and being a part of the movement striving for a cure.”
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