Leaving Manchester Energised – But Who's Listening?

Last week I had the joy of attending the UK Dementia Congress in Manchester, and I've come home absolutely buzzing. There's something incredibly powerful about spending time with people who truly get it - people living with dementia, family supporters, researchers, clinicians, innovators, and campaigners. For a few days, Manchester felt like the capital city of dementia expertise, experience, and hope.

I learned new things.

 I met inspiring people.

 I had meaningful conversations.

 I laughed, reflected, and left with fresh energy.

Most of all, I was reminded, again, that living with dementia is not just about challenges. It's about possibility, purpose, connection and contribution.

But I also left with a lingering question:

Are the people in power actually listening to all this wisdom, passion and idealism?

Because inside the conference, the vision for change felt crystal clear. The solutions exist, the voices are strong, and the will to act is undeniable.

Yet too often, the messages don't seem to travel far beyond the conference centre doors.

Still, this blog isn't a complaint. It's a call to keep going—because there are ways we can get these important messages in front of the people who can turn ideas into action.

Below are some of the ways I believe we can turn the energy of Congress into real influence.

1. Tell Short, Human Stories That Leaders Can't Ignore

Reports are important, but decision-makers receive piles of them every week. What cuts through the noise are stories:

• a two-minute video filmed on a phone

• a single-page personal testimony

• a short, honest social media post

When we talk openly about the real impact of support, diagnosis, continuity of care, and community, we make the issues unmissable and unforgettable.

2. Strength in Numbers: Share the Same Key Messages

Throughout Congress, the same themes kept coming up:

• Give people control over their own care

• Involve us from the start, not the end

• Support families and unpaid carers

• Improve diagnostic pathways

• Imbed co-production everywhere

If everyone - charities, dementia networks, lived experience groups - amplified the same key asks at the same time, the combined voice would be impossible to ignore.

Consistency creates momentum. Momentum drives change.

3. Bring Politicians Into Our World

If we want policymakers to understand dementia, we need to invite them into the places where life happens:

• Memory Cafés

• Peer-support groups

• Dementia Voice meetings

• Creative workshops

• Community projects

• Research sessions

Seeing what works first-hand turns a politician into a champion far more quickly than reading a briefing ever will.

4. Keep Congress Alive Through Blogs, Posts and Podcasts

The energy of Congress shouldn't stay in Manchester.

We can all play a part by:

• Writing blogs (like this one!)

• Creating bite-sized posts on LinkedIn or X

• Recording short podcasts or video reflections

• Sharing slides, visuals or takeaway messages

• Tagging local councils, healthcare leaders and MPs

If every attendee shared just three things they learned, the ripple effect would be huge.

5. Build Ongoing Relationships With the People in Power

Real change doesn't come from a single meeting. It comes from ongoing, constructive relationships.

We can:

• Stay in touch with our MPs and councillors

• Engage with All-Party Parliamentary Groups

• Co-produce clear, solution-focused position papers

• Send updates every few months

• Invite decision-makers back to see progress

One conversation opens a door. Many conversations keep it open.

Leaving With Hope - and a Plan

I left Manchester feeling upbeat, re-energised and proud to be part of such a compassionate, determined community. The people I met reminded me that we are not passive recipients of services; we are active contributors, shaping the future.

But yes, I still wonder whether the right ears are hearing the right messages.

 But I also believe that we can make them hear us.

Because when people living with dementia come together, when our voices align and our stories connect, we are powerful.

We've already influenced research.

 We've shaped local services.

 We've changed how charities work.

There's no reason we can't influence government too.

Manchester reminded me that we're still here, still speaking up, and still ready to push for the change we know is possible.

Let's keep the conversation going.

 Let's keep inviting people in.

 Let's keep telling our stories.

 And let's make sure the messages from Congress travel all the way to the places where decisions are made.

Hope is only the beginning. Action keeps it alive.