Placement project:
This placement offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the EMPOWER Dementia Network Plus — a national network bringing together people living with dementia, their supporters, community organisations, researchers, and health and social care practitioners. The network is dedicated to improving care, strengthening support for families, and amplifying the voices of people with dementia who are too often unheard, particularly those from diverse communities and people living with advanced dementia.
At the heart of this project is meaningful co-production. You will work closely with Ronald, one of our co-investigators who is living with dementia, to co-create a collection of poetry exploring the theme of empowerment. This body of work will reflect what empowerment means to people with dementia and their carers across the UK and will be showcased on our website, shared with policymakers, and presented to research funders.
Your work will begin with an in-person creative workshop with our lived-experience group, PLEDGE. From there, you’ll help extend the project across our 400-member network, gathering contributions representing diverse backgrounds, communities, and perspectives.
This placement is ideal for a student interested in creative and participatory research, co-production methods, and working alongside people with lived experience to drive meaningful change.
Types of Activities and Expected Outputs
During the placement, you will:
- Participate in and help facilitate a creative workshop with our lived-experience group PLEDGE.
- Work directly alongside Ronald to support the co-production of creative outputs.
- Gather poetry, reflections, and creative expressions from network members across the UK.
- Compile and curate the final poetry collection for public display and wider dissemination.
- Contribute to creative dissemination strategies aimed at policymakers, funders, and the dementia community.
Expected deliverables include:
- A curated poetry collection representing diverse voices of people with dementia and carers.
- Short reflective piece on the process of co-production and creative research.
- Materials suitable for online publication and external engagement.
Support Provided
You will be fully supported throughout the placement by the EMPOWER team. This includes:
- Regular supervisory meetings and mentoring
- Participation in EMPOWER team meetings
- Guidance in co-production, ethical engagement, and creative research methods.
- Access to network members, community partners, and co-production groups.
- Practical support in workshop planning, facilitation, and dissemination.
Host organisation
The Geller Institute of Ageing and Memory (GIAM) at the University of West London (UWL) is a leading centre for interdisciplinary, applied research and education dedicated to improving the lives of people living with dementia, older adults, and those who support them. The team generates the evidence needed to strengthen health and social care practice, with a firm commitment to enhancing quality of life, promoting independence, and helping people to remain at home for longer.
UWL is recognised for its richly diverse student and staff community and maintains a strong commitment to equality, inclusion, and widening participation across all aspects of university life. Nearly half of UWL students are from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, 53.5% are female, and almost 60% enter as mature learners aged 21 or over. The staff body reflects similar diversity, with 35% from Black and ethnic minority groups and women making up over half of academic staff
Skills and experience required for the role
Essential
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Empathy, sensitivity, and emotional intelligence
- Interest in co-production or participatory research
- Good organisational skills
Desirable
- Experience with creative methods or an interest in exploring creative approaches.
- Previous experience working with people with dementia (informal, voluntary, or academic).
- Confidence facilitating or supporting group activities (workshops, discussions, creative sessions).
Working arrangements and location of the placement
This is a 3-month placement and can be part time or full time. EMPOWER is jointly led by the University of West London (UWL) and King’s College London (KCL), you will have the flexibility to work from home with regular virtual contact and check-ins from the EMPOWER team. The student will need to provide their own laptop.
An in-person creative workshop with our lived-experience group (PLEDGE) will take place at a UK location (to be confirmed). All travel and subsistence costs related to workshop attendance will be funded.
Overall, the placement offers a highly flexible working pattern, making it ideal for students balancing study, work, or caring responsibilities.
How to apply
The opportunity is open to current ESRC-funded students only. Deadline for applications is the 30th April 2026
Applications should include a short CV and covering letter (no more than 2 pages), outlining reason for interest in the position and relevant expertise, and a completed ESRC placement funding permission form.
Applications should be emailed to the EMPOWER inbox: empower_dementia_network@kcl.ac.uk
Applications will be reviewed by the network operations team and Ronald. Those shortlisted will be invited to a short online discussion with Ronald and team members.
Any queries about this opportunity should be addressed to Emma Wolverson emma.wolverson@uwl.ac.uk and cc the EMPOWER inbox: empower_dementia_network@kcl.ac.uk