CARE IN THE COMMUNITY: HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE STUDENTS HEAR FROM KIRKLEES DEMENTIA HUB
21.04.2026This week HNC welcomed Monika Tomaszewicz, a Dementia Friends Ambassador from the Kirklees Dementia Hub, who delivered a two-hour Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends workshop to the College’s Year 12 Applied Health and Social Care students.
Students studying Health and Social Care develop a broad understanding of the human lifespan, and the different care needs that people may require throughout their lives. Students studying the course have access to a wide range of enriching experiences including guest speakers, who support students to develop a wider understanding of how the theories learnt in the classroom are delivered in real-world care settings. In this recent workshop delivered by Monika Tomaszewicz from the Kirklees Dementia Hub, Year 12 Health and Social Care students took part in an interactive session which focused on Dementia care within the community, learning more about the systems in place to support those living with Dementia.
The session saw the group develop their understanding of the real-life impact of Dementia, and how they can turn that understanding into simple practical help that can support patients as they progress through their careers. The group also looked at how Dementia goes beyond the condition itself, and how the most important aspect of Dementia care focuses on the individual and their story and identity – something that is key for all health and social care professionals. During the workshop, students also explored how communication is key to empathetic care, and how good communication can make a significant difference to those living with a condition like Dementia.
Developing a fundamental understanding of how to care for a wide variety of patients across the human lifespan is a key component of studying Applied Health and Social Care. Alan Sutton, Teacher of Health and Social Care, shares more “In Health and Social Care, we learn about a wide variety of conditions, including Dementia. Hearing from a care professional who works locally with people living with Dementia has provided a new dimension of understanding for our students, who have learned more about the importance of treating patients as individuals and the challenges that can be faced by those who have been diagnosed. Workshops like this not only support our students as they build their skills and knowledge to achieve highly, it also helps to build a more Dementia friendly community more widely. Thank you to Monika for delivering such an insightful session”.
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