October 2026 – February 2027
Health and care teams and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations working across Bristol have an opportunity to access free 6D Dementia training between October 2026 and February 2027.
What is 6D Dementia Training?
6D Dementia training is a cross-sector programme designed to strengthen integrated working and improve the quality and consistency of dementia care.
The 6D training model provides professionals and organisations with a practical framework to develop personalised, non-medicalised approaches to supporting people living with dementia.
When a person with dementia becomes distressed, it is important to understand what is happening, why it is happening and how best to respond. 6D provides practical techniques to support effective communication and helps staff consider how care and support can be adapted so that the person feels safe, secure, and understood.
The approach also supports teams to develop person-centred care plans which clearly explain an individual’s needs, what may contribute to distress and how those supporting them can respond consistently while maintaining as much independence as possible.
How is the training structured?
- Tier 1: Bitesize Video Modules (6 hours): Online, self-paced learning designed to provide a consistent foundation in the 6D approach, alongside role-specific content for different care environments and access to live webinars.
- Tier 2: 6D Specialist Dementia Training (1 day, in-person): Bespoke, in-person training for specific teams and services, supporting teams to apply the 6D approach within their own practice and care pathways.
- Tier 3: 6D Advanced Specialist Training (up to 6 months): Leadership and supervision training delivered through live online sessions, supporting senior practitioners and teams to embed 6D principles into everyday practice.
Who is the opportunity for?
The training is entirely free to delegates and is most effective when delivered to a whole team.
We are particularly interested in hearing from Bristol teams and organisations supporting people living with dementia, their families, and carers, including:
- Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations, including organisations providing dementia support, carer support, community activities, advice, advocacy, social connection, and wellbeing support
- Dementia Wellbeing Partnership and other services providing dementia casework and post-diagnostic support
- Community health and mental health teams
- Adult Socia Care teams
- Primary care and frailty teams
- Hospital and dementia liaison teams
- Domiciliary care providers and care homes
- Services supporting admission avoidance, hospital discharge, and people to remain well at home
The opportunity is relevant to both specialist dementia services and wider health, care and VCSE organisations that regularly come into contact with or support people living with dementia.
We are particularly keen for the training to support cross-sector working, helping statutory and VCSE partners develop a shared approach to understanding distress, responding consistently, and supporting people with dementia to live as independently as possible.
When will the training take place?
Training and associated support will be available between October 2026 and February 2027.
Those attending Tier 1 training must do so by the end of December so there’s time to roll out Tiers 2 and 3. Attend a drop-in session in October to find out more.
Interested? Come to a drop-in session…
16th October – 09:00-09:30
20th October – 14:30-15:00
Contact georgina.hawkins2@nhs.net
Please include:
- your team or organisation
- approximate number of staff or volunteers who may benefit
- the type of dementia support or contact your team/organisation provides
- which tier(s) of the 6D training you are interested in
- line manager contact details
Further information and arrangements will then be shared with participating teams.
