Advocacy

As highlighted in our strategic intentions, we have expanded the scope of advocacy work at the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. 

Through collaborative and supportive advocacy, our team will:

• Leverage the voices of those with lived experience to ensure a focus on solutions for issues that matter most to you.
• Work with healthcare, and municipal and provincial partners to support the development of person-centred and dementia-friendly policies, processes and legislation.
• Partner with other Alzheimer Societies to focus on pan-Canadian dementia issues.

To achieve these objectives, we have a number of advocacy initiatives already underway:

• The creation of two new Advisory Committees of Lived Experience comprised of people living with dementia and care partners who will consult on initiatives and help identify priorities.
• The development of our Community Champions model to expand baseline education on dementia across the province (stay tuned to learn more!).
• Dementia Friendly Communities, an ongoing initiative that began nearly two years ago aimed at reducing stigma by creating communities that support, respect and include people living with dementia and their care partners.
• The review of tools and resources to empower individuals at the grassroots level to become self-advocates.
• Outreach to healthcare professionals to ensure patients and care partners are connected via First Link® referrals for timely support and education.
• The establishment of communities of practice as a collaborative approach to educating staff and volunteers in healthcare settings, municipalities, businesses and public services.
• Participation on national working groups focused on federal and provincial advocacy topics.

If you would like to learn more about advocacy at the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia and how you can get involved or contribute to the conversation, please reach out to Rosanne Burke, Manager of Advocacy at rosanne.burke@asns.ca.