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Dementia Charter

Chorley Dementia Action Group Charter: The Guide to a Dementia-Friendly Community

As a town constantly working towards being a Dementia-Friendly community, we are committed to ensuring people living with dementia feel understood, valued and supported through their journey.

This year, 2025, we have made positive changes to our approach. We have designed and implemented this charter that outlines the aims and objectives Chorley Dementia Action Group want to achieve in the present and future for Chorley. The charter shows the groups focuses, objectives and expectations for members, old and new. 

Below is the full charter for you to read and understand, if you wish for a PDF version and the application form to join the charter and Chorley Dementia Action Group as a Dementia-Friendly Business or Steering member please contact communities@chorley.gov.uk 

Mission Statement

The Chorley Dementia Action Group is committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with Dementia and their Carers in Chorley. Through education, support, and advocacy, we strive to create a compassionate and inclusive community where people affected by Dementia can fully participate and thrive.

Membership

Eligibility:

Open to individuals, organisations, and businesses located in or with a strong connection to Chorley. Complete the membership form stipulating their tiered interest.

The membership levels mean you can join for (Level 1) support and recognition as a Dementia Friendly Organisation; or (Level 2) attending full Chorley Dementia Action Group meetings to share and learn ideas and opportunities.

Membership Options:

Dementia Friendly Organisations

  • Eligibility: Businesses, charities, and organisations that are Dementia Friendly.
  • Requirements: Complete both; a Dementia Awareness training session hosted either online or in-person; a Carer Awareness training session delivered by The Lancashire Carers Service. Deliver commitments agreed in your charter application.
  • Benefits: Recognition and advertising as Dementia Friendly in the CDAG yearly booklet. Advice, support, and idea sharing from other members. Regular updates from CDAG meetings and events. Certificate of membership and Dementia Friendly status.

Steering Group Member

  • Eligibility: Members who wish to be involved in strategic planning and decision making.
  • Requirements: Attend all CDAG meetings (unless apologies given), participate in relevant steering groups and discussions, actively contribute to the group's goals, and join the Dementia Hub rota.
  • Benefits: Recognition and advertising as Dementia Friendly in the CDAG yearly booklet. Advice, support, and idea sharing from other members. Regular updates from CDAG meetings and events. Certificate of membership and Dementia Friendly status. Involvement in shaping the group's direction, a deeper connection to the CDAG community.

Governance

Decision-Making:

  • Meetings: Decisions for the group and its direction will primarily be made during steering group monthly meetings attended by members, such as event coordination or community engagement.

Membership Governance:

  • Annual Review: Membership will be reviewed annually, confirming organisation level and engagement.

Benefits of this Structure:

  • Inclusivity: All members can have a voice in decision-making.
  • Flexibility: Steering groups can address specific areas of focus and make decisions efficiently.
  • Accountability: Membership is reviewed annually to ensure they align with members' contributions and commitments.

Meetings:

  • Frequency: The Chorley Dementia Action Group will meet on the first Thursday of every month, excluding August and December.
  • Steering Group Meetings: Steering groups may have their own meeting schedules, to be agreed upon by their members.
  • Meeting Format: Monthly meetings will be held both in-person at a pre-agreed venue and online via Microsoft Teams.
  • Meeting Notices: The agenda and email invite for each meeting will normally be sent out on the Friday prior to the meeting.

Responsibilities and Commitments

Member Responsibilities:

  • Adhere to the charter: Follow the principles and guidelines outlined in the CDAG charter.
  • Support the group's goals: Contribute to the group's efforts to raise awareness, provide support, and advocate for the needs of people living with dementia and their carers.

Group Commitments:

The Chorley Dementia Action Group remains committed to the following key priorities:

  1. Educating the community: Raising awareness about dementia and its impact on individuals and families.
  2. Improving lives: Providing support and resources to people living with dementia and their carers.
  3. Promoting inclusion: Creating a dementia-friendly community where people living with dementia can fully participate.
  4. Advocating for change: Working with local organisations and communities to implement dementia-friendly practices.

Ongoing Focus Areas

  1. Increase Education and Awareness of Dementia throughout Chorley Borough
  2. Support Dementia Friendly Organisations and Services
  3. Community Engagement
  4. Advocacy

Charter Development and Review

Consultation

  • Accessibility: The charter will be made available for download on the Chorley Council dementia webpage and can also be requested via email to the CDAG team.
  • Public Input: All members and residents are encouraged to read the charter and provide feedback to help ensure its relevance and effectiveness.

Review and Update

  • Annual Review: The charter will be reviewed at the last meeting of the year (November).
  • Discussion and Changes: Discussions regarding potential changes or updates to the charter will be documented in the meeting minutes and circulated to all members.
  • Implementation: Approved changes will be incorporated into the charter, and the updated version will be implemented in January of the following year.

This process ensures that the charter remains relevant, inclusive, and responsive to the evolving needs of the community. By seeking input from members and residents, the CDAG can ensure that the charter reflects the values and priorities of the group and the people it serves.

Are you passionate about creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for people living with dementia in Chorley? Join the Chorley Dementia Action Group and help us shape a brighter future for our community. Our newly developed charter outlines our mission, goals, and commitments to making Chorley a dementia-friendly town. Whether you're a local business, community group, or individual, we invite you to become a member and play a vital role in our shared vision. Together, we can make a real difference.

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