This project investigated the implementation and evaluation of a new dementia-friendly accreditation scheme. It was first piloted in Watford and Stevenage in 2024, and the evaluation informed a wider rollout to local authorities throughout the county.
Background
This project examined the implementation of the Hertfordshire County Dementia Strategy 2023-2028. Hertfordshire has about 16,000 residents living with dementia, including over 3,500 in Watford and 1,000 in Stevenage. As the Alzheimer's Society's national dementia-friendly accreditation scheme ended in 2023, Hertfordshire County Council has convened local authorities to adapt the scheme to be more sensitive to local needs. This scheme was piloted in Watford and Stevenage Borough Councils in 2025.
Project Aims
This project aimed to evaluate the implementation and impact of a new dementia-friendly accreditation scheme in Hertfordshire. The accreditation scheme aimed to increase awareness of dementia-friendly communities across participating local authorities, increase provision of dementia-friendly training for service providers, and increase participation in public life among people living with dementia and their carers.
Project Activity
This study evaluated the full impact of this work as well as investigate strategies used to implement priorities outlined in the Hertfordshire Dementia Strategy. After evaluating the pilot scheme in Watford and Stevenage, evaluation findings informed a wider rollout of the scheme to other local authorities throughout the county.
Anticipated or actual outputs
Better understood how county-level dementia strategies drive action at the local level, evaluated the impact of an accreditation scheme for dementia services sensitive to local needs.
Who was involved?
Dr Greg Windle, University of Hertfordshire Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care (corresponding researcher)
Prof Claire Goodman, University of Hertfordshire Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care
Prof Elspeth Mathie, University of Hertfordshire Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care
