Oasis Academy Brislington Students Represent Youth at National Dementia Congress

Last week, two Year 11 students from Oasis Academy Brislington, Izzy and Lena, along with PE Teacher Ms E Bidgood (Staff Lead on Dementia Awareness) and Ms L Leighton, attended the National Dementia Congress in Coventry. 

This annual event brings together experts in dementia care, and Brislington's group were invited to present alongside Alzheimer’s Society due to their ongoing work to raise dementia awareness within the academy and local community. This follows the group's continuous care home visits, which were featured on ITV News earlier this year.

Izzy and Lena were invited to present on "Educating Young People on Dementia and Its Impact, Enabling Future Changes in Attitude," alongside Sally Townsend (Community Development Coordinator at Alzheimer’s Society).

Sally specifically recommended Izzy and Lena for their outstanding work and ability to share their experiences. The presentation was led by Jane Brown (another CDC) on behalf of Sally, with Izzy, Lena, and John, a man living with dementia, sharing their perspectives. 

The presentation was a huge success. Izzy and Lena spoke confidently about their work and the positive impact of raising dementia awareness. They addressed over 50 audience members, including doctors, CEOs, and industry experts, answering challenging questions with ease. The audience rightfully applauded the students for their brilliant contributions.

Throughout the day, the group explored exhibitor stalls, spoke with industry experts, and made valuable connections for future care home visits and school initiatives. They also attended a talk on “Can Lying Be Used to Support Personhood?,” which sparked thoughtful discussions.

The day was an enriching experience for all, showcasing the work the group at Brislington have been doing, representing Oasis, and sharing the voice of young people. Ms E Bidgood said: “We are incredibly proud of Izzy and Lena and grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a meaningful event.”