Training2Care Virtual Dementia Tour Bus arrives in Norfolk

In response to insights gathered from the annual training survey conducted by Norfolk and Suffolk Care Support, and follow‑up discussions with Registered Managers, Norfolk Care Careers is pleased to offer additional dementia care learning opportunities for the external workforce across Norfolk.

The Training2Care Virtual Dementia Tour Bus arrives in Norfolk this June and July!

Alongside the formal dementia learning qualifications, we are piloting an immersive training experience designed to deepen understanding of what it may feel like to live with dementia. The Virtual Dementia Tour Bus is equipped with a range of sensory tools and deprivation aids, supported by clear instructions and guided facilitation.  This unique, hands‑on experience enables participants to gain first‑hand insight into the behaviours, challenges, and needs of people living with dementia.

We are encouraging all providers to take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen empathy, enhance practice and improve the quality of dementia care across Norfolk and Waveney.

Dates and Locations

Running over 5 weeks between the 1st of June to the 3rd of July, providers can book up to two places, per setting for either a morning or afternoon session in one of the following locations:

• Thetford – Guildhall and Market Place, 1st to 5th June
• Great Yarmouth – Great Yarmouth Library at The Place, 8th to 12th June
• North Walsham – North Walsham Community Centre, 15th to 19th June
• King’s Lynn – Alive Lynnsport, 22nd to 26th June
• Norwich – County Hall, 29th and 30th June, and also the 1st and 3rd July

Members of the external workforce can sign up here.

Sarah Rank, Head of Business Partnering at Norfolk County Council, visited a Dementia Bus at a Technology Enabled Care Conference and was inspired: “Despite really not knowing what to expect beforehand, the opportunity this gave me to understand some of the sensory issues people with dementia are facing was an important and powerful one.”

Public Experience Days

Additionally, feedback also highlighted the benefits of promoting public awareness to support family members with their understanding, therefore we are also pleased to make the bus available over five free public drop-in days during w/c 6th July in five market towns across Norfolk.

Public experience days will operate on a drop-in basis, with slots being available every 15 minutes between 10am and 1pm and 1pm and 4.30pm.  More information on this coming soon, but the dates and locations for public experience days are:

• 6th July – King’s Lynn Market Place
• 7th July – Thetford Guildhall Market Place
• 8th July – Great Yarmouth Market Place
• 9th July – North Walsham Market Place
• 10th July – Norwich, The Forum