Raising awareness

As I start to write this, I'm sitting behind the BRACE table at a business exhibition at Bristol City's stadium. The fact that I'm writing my blog instead of coping with enquirers crowding three deep round our table will tell you that it's a bit quiet at the moment. However, the conversations we had earlier have already made this exercise worthwhile.

This is all part of "raising awareness". Awareness of dementia and the potential of scientific research, awareness of BRACE and its part in this work. It's an essential activity for a fundraising charity. The simple and often urgent thought process in fundraising is a straight line from a problem to a potential solution... and therefore the need for money or gifts in kind.

Next week we are attempting something more ambitious. We have organised a major debate about dementia, hosted by the University of the West of England and chaired by Jonathan Dimbleby. We have a heavyweight panel, with great knowledge of science, medicine, public policy, care management and the experience of supporting a loved one with dementia. There will be scientists, clinicians and many others with valuable expertise in the audience.

What we are hoping to achieve is a discussion both wider and deeper than is normally possible at gatherings concerned with dementia. It is unusual to find such a diverse range of skills and perspectives in such a public setting.

Public? Ah, that reminds me. As well as the 250 people in the room, we shall be sharing the debate with you and anyone else who wants to watch online. The webcast will be made available through our Facebook page and you can join in on Twitter.

Date: Thursday 3rd October  Time: 7pm (19:00 BST)