Member showcase: Martin Robertson 

Martin Robertson, living with young onset dementia, writes about the Scottish Dementia Strategy 2023

The Lived Experience Panel had members from the two dementia organisations in Scotland (Alzheimer Scotland and About Dementia) and three independent individuals. Dementia UK was not represented on either panel although being independent I am like a magpie and pick ideas from here and there, so Admiral Nurses will be considered in the implementation phase.

My other two inputs were to highlight mental health and dementia wards, which are rarely talked about by those with young onset dementia for obvious reasons. I also had one-to-one conversations via Teams with the civil servants as they recognise my work as an independent individual, which to me is very empowering.

The plan is for both groups to carry on as Implementation Oversight Groups to ensure that the chosen priorities are met. I am under no illusion that my two inputs will be prioritised, however I can use them as leverage to show that they are important and hopefully help mental health charities receive funding for them.

• Martin Robertson was diagnosed with young onset dementia aged 58 and is a passionate dementia activist.
• Read the Scottish Dementia Strategy published in May 2023