National Dementia Carers Action Network

About Us

Alzheimer Scotland’s National Dementia Carers Action Network (NDCAN) is a national campaigning and awareness raising group for carers of people with dementia. NDCAN was formed in 2011 and we exist to make the voices of carers heard and raise awareness of the issues impacting on us as carers. We have a general membership which meet twice a year and a committee that meets quarterly. Each year the group decide on the priorities that NDCAN will work on for the coming year. 

Our work

Since NDCAN was formed we have:

• Influenced Government and Parliament  - NDCAN members have met regularly with the Minister for Mental Health, fed into government consultations and spoke to MSPs at Parliamentary events and Cross Party Groups. We also sat on the national boards for both the new Dementia Strategy and the Carers Act to make sure carers voices were heard.
• Helped to improve the quality of care - NDCAN worked with Focus on Dementia to improve the quality of post diagnostic support and specialist dementia units so that professionals know what carers need in terms of support. We also participated in the Fair Dementia Care commission to support carers as the person they care for enters the advanced stages of dementia and end of life.
• We helped to train workforces - Each year, NDCAN members help to train health and social care professionals. This includes providing their own personal views and experiences to the Dementia Champions Programme. Members have also contributed to the Dementia Ambassadors programme.
• Raised awareness at a local national and international level - NDCAN members have attended and spoken at a wide range of conferences in Scotland, the UK and abroad such as Alzheimer Europe and Alzheimer Disease International. NDCAN also have a stand each year at the Alzheimer Scotland Annual Conference and use this opportunity to talk about the work of the group.
• Helped other carers - Helped to develop new resources for carers on a range of subjects, including early onset dementia, continence and speech therapy. In 2016, members of NDCAN developed a series of eight booklets explaining what has helped carers of people with dementia to get through the day and cope with difficult times.