National Dementia Carers Action Network

About us

The National Dementia Carers Action Network (NDCAN) is a national, member led campaigning and awareness raising group of current and former dementia carers in Scotland. Formed in 2011, the group exists to make the voices of dementia carers heard and to raise awareness of the issues impacting on carers.

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. In 2024, these booklets were revised and updated.

Become a NDCAN member

NDCAN is open to anyone who has experience of caring for someone living with dementia. Members all live in Scotland or care for someone who lives in Scotland. By joining NDCAN you are adding your voice to carers of people with dementia across Scotland to make sure dementia carer issues are heard. You will be part of influencing the future of dementia policy and strategy in Scotland and make things better for the people who come after us. You will also get the opportunity to meet a wide range of people. On a personal level, many members of the group speak about the benefit they’ve felt through contributing in this way.

NDCAN focuses on campaigning and awareness raising at a national level. However, there will also be opportunities for you to get involved in campaigning at a local level, for example through working with your local health and social care partnership to ensure carer’s voices are heard.

Meetings give all members a chance to get involved. However, we recognise that not everyone is able to get to meetings but would still like to contribute and show their support for the group.

Membership is free!  Download and complete the NDCAN Handbook, to become part of the NDCAN network.