New Dementia Training Drive To Boost Care And Support Across Bristol, North Somerset And South Gloucestershire
People living with dementia, along with their caregivers and families are set to benefit from a major new training programme for frontline staff across Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire.
The programme has been commissioned by NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and is being delivered by specialist provider 6D Dementia from Co. Antrim, which was founded by national dementia-care expert, Dr Frances Duffy. The company is currently one of only four companies accepted onto the Alzheimer’s Society’s Accelerator Programme. In recent days, it was also announced as one of 16 global finalists in the Isle of Man Innovation Challenge 2026, as a company with the potential to make a meaningful difference to people and communities across the Island.
The NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (BNSSG ICB), currently serves a population of over one million people. Upon completion of the course, 500 health and social care staff from hospitals, community services, local authorities, and the voluntary sector in the local area, will have undertaken the specialist dementia training.
Dr Duffy, a consultant clinical psychologist and national dementia-care expert said it was an important milestone for people living with dementia, and for those who support them in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire: “As a society we are facing rapidly rising dementia rates, so it is hugely significant for people living in the area that the ICB has taken the lead and chosen to invest in specialist training that is practical, accessible, and designed to make a real difference to families and frontline staff alike.
“Our approach is fully aligned with the NHS Long Term Plan and the Northern Ireland Reset Plan, meaning our model is built on transitioning from sickness to prevention, from hospital to community, and from analogue to digital, as well as strengthening partnerships across health and social care.
“By investing in people and prevention through 6D Dementia’s specialist training, the BNSSG ICB is taking a vital lead in advancing dementia care here in the UK. It reflects their commitment to upskilling staff, improving patient experience, and supporting families through training that is practical, evidence-based, and focused on real-world outcomes.
“Our training has received incredible feedback showing it helps staff feel more supported and confident, and people living with dementia feel safe, understood, and treated with dignity in their daily care. I’m looking forward to seeing how the rollout of this programme is going to positively transform dementia care across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, and enable more people living with dementia to do so with dignity and meaningful connection, while maximising their independence.”
