What does it mean to minister to those who are living with dementia?
How do we honour their contributions and memories? What might this teach us about identity, personhood, and the love of God?

These questions and more will be discussed at the ‘Exploring God in dementia: theology, spirituality and personhood’ will take place on Thursday 11th May from 10am – 4pm.

Taking place at the Riverside Conference Centre, Exeter (EX4 1DU), the ecumenical study day has been organised by a team representing diocese, districts and associations from across the South West region.

The day is open to anyone in ministry, a church leadership role or anyone who needs to think theologically about these issues.

Keynote speakers include:

  • Dr Peter Kevern is Associate Professor in Values in Care, Staffordshire University. His main area of research is on spiritual issues raised by dementia, but he also writes on issues to do with the role of religious communities in relation to health care, disability and ageing.
  • Dr Pia Matthews is lecturer in theology, philosophy, bioethics, medical law and healthcare chaplaincy at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, specialises in issues to do with profound disability, dementia, mental health, suicide, elderly and end of life care and spirituality.
  • Ian Sherriff is Academic Partnership Lead for Dementia at Plymouth University, a board member of the Alzheimer’s Society nationally. Research includes the benefits of early diagnosis of dementia and the challenges of dementia in a rural setting.

 

Workshops include:

  • Revd Dr Margaret Goodall was until recently Chaplaincy Development Manager for Methodist Homes (MHA). Areas of interest and research include spirituality and
  • dementia and the role of music in accessing spirituality. She has contributed to and written books on ageing and dementia.
  • Revd Canon Dr Joanna Collicutt is Psychology and Spirituality Lecturer at Ripon College, a clinical psychologist and specialist neuropsychologist. As Oxford Diocesan Advisor for Spiritual Care with older people, she’s developing a criteria for dementia-friendly church and a focus on Intergenerational Church.
  • Dr Julia Teale and Dr Ruth Lamont are researchers at the University of Exeter’s Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health (REACH). They will discuss the maintenance of cognitive health, living well with dementia and cognitive rehabilitation.

There will also be an Introduction to Dementia for those who wish to refresh their understanding of the basics.

The cost of the study day is £15 including lunch.

You can book your place here.

Booking closes on 28th April 2017.