Would you like to become a Dementia Diarist?
If you think that you’d like to have a go at becoming a dementia diarist, here’s some information to help get you started.
What is Dementia Diaries?
Dementia Diaries enables you to record your day-to-day reflections and experiences as short recordings.
These audio or video diaries are then posted onto this Website.
Why is Dementia Diaries important?
The diaries help people to understand more about dementia, and the day-today lives of those living with it.
Your voice, your story is important. Everyone has a right to a say.
You can listen here to a few of our diarists talking about the experience of recording their diaries and what it means to them.
Click here to listen
"I'm Howard...
Dementia Diaries is the opportunity to share our lived experiences to empower the people living with dementia that follow us.”
"I'm Frances...
and I like doing the Dementia Diaries because it gives me a chance to talk about everyday things and people in my new life with dementia.”
"I’m Wayne...
I just love speaking to the other diarists via the diary because it’s such a great relief to speak to people that I believe really understand what I’m trying to say.”
How does it work?
You make a recording by leaving it as a telephone message (there is no charge for the call). Or you can also use the voice recorder or video recorder on your phone if you have one – to record a message and then send it to us.
Once you have made your message it will be held securely – no-one else will hear it but us until it is published.
Most diaries are published just as they are recorded.
We then put your diaries on the website – and use social media like Facebook and Bluesky to tell others about them.
Volunteers will then type out your message so that people can read what you have said as well.
About the recordings you make
- You can make as many or as few Diaries as you like.
- You can stop whenever you like.
- If you want any of your recordings to be removed – we can take them off the website when you request this – however once they go on social media – they pass largely beyond our control.
How to use a voice recorder on an iPhone
Steve Milton provides a step-by-step guide to making a voice recording on your iPhone.
Android phones may differ slightly, but most will work in similar ways.
Click on this link to watch the tutorial: https://youtu.be/bwSsU10A5zY
Not only is this useful for recording Dementia Diaries, but also any conversations you might want to capture.
For example if you are having a GP appointment; or as a way of capturing your thoughts at any moment.
Files from your voice recorder can also be emailed to yourself or others.
What will the diaries be used for?
- They will appear on the website and be publicised through social media like Facebook and Twitter.
- Researchers might use your diaries to learn more about the experiences of people with dementia.
- Your diaries might be used by professionals in training, media, meetings, or conferences.
What can I make diaries about?
Absolutely anything you like.
Here are some of the things people do diaries about:
- Everyday life and experiences
- Your thoughts on current events
- Things you enjoy doing
- How dementia affects you.
- The people in your life
- Your rights
- Memories
- How you manage with dementia. Or not. Or both.
- Good stuff
- Bad stuff.
- Sharing your creativity e.g. if you are a poet, writer, or a singer.
- What you are doing – speaking at a meeting, attending a group or having a quiet day – tell us about your day.
- The animals in your life.
- A thought that just popped into your head.
- Above all – it’s about having your voice heard!
Agnes is relieved to have had her
jab, despite the side-effects.
A nuthatch and blackcaps join George on another glorious walk.
Martin looks back on his life on the occasion of his birthday.
What support do I get?
We’ll try and give you whatever help you need to get going.
You may want to discuss the kinds of stories and experiences you’d like to share or talk about a recording you have made.
OK – I would like to become a Dementia Diarist. What do I do now?
Click Here to go to the form on the Contact Us page or you can email us here: DementiaDiaries@Outlook.com or if you prefer, you can call us on 07720 538851.
Can You Volunteer To Transcribe?
We need help transcribing the recorded entries of our diarists for this important project.