Real voices, real impact: feedback from our short course programme

We are excited to share an update from our most recent short course programme. Short courses offer a convenient way to help build new skills, stay connected to the latest evidence, and learn practical, actionable approaches that can make an immediate difference to care. They’re also an excellent way to contribute to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), supporting both personal growth and professional standards.

In our latest programme we successfully delivered eight online, video-call based courses focused on the issues that matter most to people living with dementia, their families, and professionals. Each course was shaped by people with lived experience. They were delivered by the training team, and colleagues from across the Centre, and each took place over two, half-day sessions. Topics included decision making, inclusive practice, young onset dementia, eating and drinking, innovative technology, mental wellbeing, understanding behaviour, and collaborative working.

Participants came from a wide range of backgrounds and brought incredible passion and curiosity to the sessions. Some joined a single session, while others attended multiple courses. After each course, participants shared anonymous feedback, giving us insights into the impact of the programme.

The five key themes that emerged

Expert by Experience input brought learning to life

Hearing directly from people living with dementia, through videos, quotes, and case studies, made the learning more relatable, emotional, and real. Many described how it challenged their assumptions and strengthened their commitment to person-centred care.

The personal stories made everything so real. It reminded me why I do what I do.

The personal insights helped me connect emotionally to the material. It made all the difference.

I found it all very interesting but videos showing the real-life depiction of experiences definitely put things into perspective.

Connection and shared learning

Participants valued the opportunities for interaction, discussion, and peer learning. They spoke positively about how group discussions were facilitated to create a safe, respectful environment where everyone could contribute. Participants appreciated the opportunity to engage with a diverse cohort, reporting that the online format, far from being a barrier, allowed people from different backgrounds, sectors, and locations to come together, share experiences, and learn from one another.

It was brilliant to hear from people across the country — and even internationally! It added such richness to the discussions.

It was good to have a mixture of job roles on the course

(I most enjoyed) meeting people dedicated to transforming existing dementia care

Practical skills, increased confidence and changing attitudes

Participants reported feeling more confident to apply practical tools in their work and described a shift in their attitudes toward dementia care.

I’m already using what I learned to better support people living with dementia. It’s changed how I think.

I feel more confident now to challenge assumptions and advocate for better dementia care.

(I learned) to speak to the families of the residents to see what preferences they would like regarding food and drinks

Sharing their learning 

There was a real enthusiasm for spreading the knowledge further, with many participants keen to bring their teams along on the journey. Some mentioned challenges getting wider organisational support for change, but that this hadn’t stopped them from sharing what they learned.

I’ve already told my team they should sign up to the next round!

I wish my whole team could have been on the course. I’m hoping to persuade management to make training a priority.

I’m going to continue to be an advocate and inform others of what I've learnt.

Organisational barriers, e.g., lack of resources, funding (could get in the way of implementing learning). I will lobby senior management using what I have learned on this course.

Academic credibility and effective facilitation

The professional expertise and passion of the facilitators were widely appreciated, along with the grounding in current, high-quality research. The trusted reputation of the Centre added credibility to the courses.

It was clear the facilitators really knew their stuff — and that passion came across throughout the session.

Very knowledgeable tutors.  Fascinating information backed by expert evidence-based research.

Many changes need to happen within the world of dementia. I can feel overwhelmed sometimes but as I continue to study with Bradford University I learn and educate myself and begin to find solutions.

Very grateful the Centre for Applied Dementia Studies is available, accessible and a leader in innovative dementia skills and knowledge.

The Centre for Applied Dementia Studies at Bradford University is a World Class Leader in Dementia Studies, guaranteed delivery of thought provoking, radical and transformative courses.

What's next?

We’re thrilled with the response to this programme and are already working to incorporate feedback into future training. Looking ahead, we’re excited to be developing self-paced online versions of some of our short courses, making learning even more accessible for those unable to attend live sessions. While our open short courses have typically run once a year, they can also be commissioned by organisations, either as standalone sessions or as part of a tailored training and consultancy package.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part, shared feedback, and helped make the programme a success. To find out more about our short courses and wider training offer, follow us on social media, or get in touch at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you.