Local council launches its own 'dementia friendly community' initiative
Posted on 11 August 2025
South Holland District Council has launched its own Dementia Friendly Community (DFC), bringing together more than 30 members from across health services, private organisations, community groups and those with lived experience of dementia.
The project, which began in May of 2025 came as part of the council's 'Age Friendly' work and follows the lead of both its partners: East Lindsey District Council and Boston Borough Council which have been both been successfully running DFCs in the sub-region for some time.
The aim of the South Holland DFC is to transform the quality of life for people living with dementia in South Holland and those who care for them by spreading awareness of the condition, reducing stigma and improving access to local support.
As part of the launch, members of the South Holland DFC have undertaken training from the Alzheimer's Society, enabling them to deliver 'Dementia Friends sessions' to colleagues, partner organisations and the wider community.
These sessions aim to increase understanding of dementia, reduce stigma, and promote more inclusive and supportive environments. Further training is planned for the coming months to expand the number of people able to share this important awareness-raising work across the district.
The South Holland DFC will work closely with the Lincolnshire Dementia Programme Board to champion awareness, tackle stigma, and improve access to services. By bringing together a diverse mix of organisations, sharing knowledge and resources, and creating opportunities for local people to engage alongside the Dementia Friends initiative.
Councillor Tracey Carter, Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing and Councillor Liz Sneath, Portfolio Holder for Health & Wellbeing, said: "We are both incredibly supportive of this new initiative and all the hard work that has gone into making it possible.
"The DFC will help make a real difference to the lives of people in South Holland living with dementia, and their carers too. This initiative is about bringing people together so we can spread awareness of dementia and foster a community that is more inclusive, understanding and supportive."
The group meets every two months, with the next meeting planned for early autumn. Local organisations, businesses, and individuals that are interested in becoming part of the South Holland Dementia Friendly Community are encouraged to get in touch by contacting the Independent Living team at IndependentLivingTeam@sholland.gov.uk.