Chartwell House Helps Students Become Dementia Friends

Chartwell House by Boutique Care Homes, in Broadstairs, Kent, welcomed 11 learners from CXK’s Explore Health and Social Care Programme for a Dementia Friends awareness session, giving them a first taste of what a career in care could look like.

The learners are taking part in CXK’s four-week programme, based at Millmead Community Centre, for people considering a career in health and social care but unsure where to start.

Admissions Manager Jaye Hurst led the session, guiding the group through how dementia can affect people differently and what that means in practice for the people living with it. By the end of the afternoon, all 11 learners had become Dementia Friends, part of the Alzheimer’s Society’s UK-wide programme to build public understanding of the condition.

“It’s a real privilege to be able to run Dementia Friends sessions in East Kent, and this session with CXK was no exception,” said Jaye. “In addition to the Dementia Friends awareness session, the afternoon gave us an opportunity to share our knowledge and experience with people who are considering a career in health and social care. As an award-winning residential and dementia care provider, we have a wealth of experience that we can share, not only around dementia, but also what it truly means to work in care and make a difference to people’s lives.

For me, these sessions are an opportunity to give the next generation of care professionals an honest insight into the sector, answer their questions and help them understand the rewarding career opportunities available to them. Seeing 11 learners become Dementia Friends was wonderful, and I hope they take that knowledge and enthusiasm forward with them as they begin their careers.”

With the formal session complete, Jaye stayed on to answer the group’s questions about working in health and social care, offering practical advice on the sector and what the day-to-day reality of the job involves.

The learners’ response was warm. Several described the session as “very fun and engaging” and “interesting and informative,” with one saying the visit had helped them understand dementia “in a different way.” Another learner, reflecting on the home itself, remarked on how well cared for the residents seemed and how beautiful the surroundings were.

“The impact was still being felt the next day. CXK’s Engagement and Employability Assistant, Carolyn Sellman, followed up with the group and found the session had left a lasting impression. “The Dementia Friends talk was incredibly insightful; I had a chat with the group this morning and they definitely gained a great deal from it,” she said.

“They appreciated the explanation of the bookshelves, memories, and feelings, saying that it helped them develop a better understanding of just how dementia can affect a person. Your session really has helped to deepen this groups’ understanding of dementia and some of the challenges with caring for people with it.”