A Derry organisation has been awarded £4.9 million to expand its community-based dementia support programme across Northern Ireland, Wales, and England.

Health for Life will use the funding from the National Lottery Community Fund’s UK Fund, Connected Communities programme, to deliver Sharing, Engaging & Empowering Dementia Support (SEEDS). The initiative builds on the success of DEEDS (Dementia Engaged and Empowered with Dignity and Support), a community-led model originally developed in Derry.

The programme aims to help people living with dementia remain active, connected, and independent within their communities, while also supporting carers and families. Over its lifetime, SEEDS aims to directly support more than 4,000 families and 400 volunteers.

A recent gathering in Derry brought together partner organisations from across Northern Ireland, Wales, and England to share learning, build relationships, and begin planning delivery.

SEEDS Project Manager Sabrina Lynch said the event was an important first step in building a shared vision, noting that every organisation involved brings valuable experience and community knowledge. Project Director George McGowan said the investment allows partners to build on the success of DEEDS and create lasting change.

Thomas Carlin from The National Lottery Community Fund said SEEDS is an excellent example of communities coming together to address significant challenges, helping people affected by dementia to live well while building the knowledge and confidence of organisations.

Strategic partners include Healthy Living Centre Alliance Northern Ireland, Care Merseyside, Age Cymru, and Age UK Barnet. Delivery in Northern Ireland will be supported by Causeway Urban & Rural Network, Peninsula Healthy Living Partnership, and Clanrye Group. Existing DEEDS delivery partners, including Shantallow Community Centre, Hillcrest Trust, Strabane District Caring Services, Caw Nelson Drive Action Group, and Learmount Community Group, will continue to support people living with dementia and their families.

Participants at the gathering explored the history of the DEEDS model, discussed collaboration opportunities, and took part in dementia awareness training designed to strengthen understanding of the experiences of people living with dementia.