ARC England and MacIntyre are proud to announce the launch of their new Learning Disability and Dementia: Best Practice Support training programme, a unique co-produced course designed to equip professionals with the knowledge, confidence and practical tools needed to support people with a learning disability who develop dementia.
Now booking for dates from September 2026, the two-part interactive course has been developed in response to the growing need for specialist dementia education that reflects the experiences and needs of people with a learning disability.
People with a learning disability are more likely to develop dementia, often experience symptoms before the age of 65 and can progress more rapidly through the condition than the wider population. Despite this, many professionals receive little training that focuses specifically on the intersection of learning disability and dementia.
What makes the training distinctive is its genuinely co-produced approach. It combines professional expertise with lived experience, ensuring participants gain practical, real-world insight into supporting people with a learning disability and dementia from pre-diagnosis through to advanced stages of the condition.
The course has been jointly developed by ARC England and MacIntyre and is co-designed and co-delivered with Jess Hiles, a self-advocate. Together with Nicola Payne and Beth Britton MBE, Jess forms the award-winning team behind ARC England and MacIntyre’s acclaimed Loss and Bereavement Training programme.
The training includes:
- Expert perspectives from across the learning disability, dementia and social care sectors, including people with lived experience.
- Extensive signposting to high-quality resources and further learning opportunities.
- Practical, accessible tools that participants can immediately apply within their own organisations and services.
- Opportunities for professionals from different disciplines to learn together and share perspectives.
- Delivery by trainers with both extensive professional expertise and personal experience of dementia and learning disability.
- A strong focus on implementation, with participants encouraged to apply learning between sessions and develop meaningful changes to their day-to-day practice.
Samantha Leonard, ARC England Director, said:
“Too often, professionals supporting people with a learning disability and dementia struggle to find training that addresses the unique challenges they encounter. This course brings together evidence, expertise and lived experience to provide practical guidance that can make a real difference to people’s lives.”
Seb Moh, MacIntyre’s Adult Social Care Director, added:
“Having lived experience at the heart of the training is so important. People with a learning disability deserve support from professionals who understand dementia and who can help them to live well for as long as possible.”
The course aligns with the Alzheimer’s Society recommendation that professionals supporting people with dementia receive at least eight hours of dementia-specific training. It also meets Tier 2 requirements of the Department of Health and Social Care’s Dementia Training Standards Framework.
The interactive programme runs online across two half-day sessions. Dates from September 2026 are now available.
For more information and to book a place, visit:
Learning Disability and Dementia: Best Practice Support Training
Cost:
- £130 for ARC England members
- £150 for non-members
Professionals working in social care, health, housing, advocacy and community support are encouraged to attend.
