Making space at the table: Engaging participation of people with dementia in community development

Objectives The Building Capacity Project is an asset‐based community development initiative that aims to reduce stigma and promote social inclusion for people with dementia. Using a community‐based participatory approach, we conducted research to examine the relational patterns and participatory practices within and across project sites in two different regions of Canada (Vancouver and Thunder Bay). Methods Five focus groups and five individual interviews were conducted with team members and community partners (n = 29) and analysed for themes. Results The overarching theme of Making Space at the Table explains how the participation of people with dementia has served both as a value and a practice shaping the relational work throughout the project. Three sub‐themes include: Maintaining a common foundation; Creating communication pathways; and Fostering personal connections. Conclusions Together, these findings show how community development can support the meaningful participation of people with dementia in their communities through processes of collaboration that focus on individual and collective strengths, that allow time for the work to unfold, and for building relationships that foster trust and respect for diversity. Key points Collaborations that are based on common values help foster diverse ways for people with dementia to participate and contribute in their communities. Building on existing networks is an effective way to scale out new ideas for engaging participation of people with dementia in their communities. Ensuring opportunities for people with dementia to develop strong personal ties with each other and work together as a group builds confidence and motivation to engage in community development work.