A leading all-inclusive luxury care provider brought the Virtual Dementia Tour Bus to the Houses of Parliament, giving MPs, including the Speaker of the House of Commons and a former Minister of State for Care, a powerful first-hand insight into the daily realities of living with dementia.
Berkley Care Group, in collaboration with training specialists Training 2 CARE, delivered the internationally recognised programme as part of the launch of its new Dementia Strategy. The day also included a parliamentary reception which welcomed close to 40 leaders from across the care sector to reflect on the experience and discuss the future of dementia care.
Around two dozen parliamentarians took part in the immersive tour, with strong interest shown across parties.
Those stepping aboard included Dame Caroline Dinenage DBE, former Minister for Care, Helen Morgan MP, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for health and social care, and Danny Beales MP, a member of the Health and Social Care Select Committee.
The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, also visited the event, underlining the significance of the initiative within Parliament.
The simulation, which uses specialised equipment to replicate the sensory and cognitive changes caused by dementia, offered parliamentarians and guests a powerful window into the daily challenges faced by those living with the condition.
Following the bus tour, nearly 40 leaders from across health and social care gathered in the House of Lords for a parliamentary reception.
The event was built on the immersive experience of the afternoon, offering space for reflection and discussion. Among the attendees were Nadra Ahmed CBE DL, Chair of the National Care Association, and Matt Taylor, Chief Officer at Age UK Reading.
At the reception, Wendy Chamberlain MP, sponsor of both the Carer’s Leave Act and the Dementia Bus in Parliament, reflected on how her own family had been touched by dementia and emphasised the importance of initiatives like the tour in helping parliamentarians build empathy and awareness. She was followed by Laura Perry, Chief Executive of Berkley Care Group, who introduced the organisation’s new Dementia Strategy.
Built around five key pillars – environment, families, residents, team members, and innovation – the strategy demonstrates Berkley’s commitment to sector-leading practice across all its twelve homes. The strategy reinforces Berkley Care Group’s position at the forefront of innovation in dementia care.
In her comments after the reception, Laura Perry, CEO of Berkley Care Group, said:
“I’m so proud that our care team is at the forefront of understanding, compassion and innovation in dementia care. Launching the Dementia Strategy in Parliament alongside the Dementia Bus reinforced our passionate belief that effective innovation in care goes hand in hand with a shared understanding.
“The unique experience that the bus offers allows users to get insight into what it’s like to live with dementia; why as a care group our commitment that a dementia diagnosis does not define a resident is so important; and why our homes offer environments where individuals can continue to thrive, where families feel supported, and where our teams are equipped to deliver care rooted in dignity, understanding and innovation.”
At the reception, Wendy Chamberlain MP, sponsor of the Carer’s Leave Act, commented:
“Like so many families, mine has been touched by dementia, and I know first-hand how devastating it can be. Greater understanding of what dementia truly means makes a real difference, not just for those living with it, but for the families and carers who provide vital support.
“That’s why initiatives like the Dementia Bus matter. By giving people the chance to experience the realities of dementia, they build empathy and awareness. I’m grateful to Berkley Care Group and Training 2 CARE for bringing this experience to Parliament and helping MPs better understand a challenge that touches so many lives”.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Glenn Knight, Managing Director of Training 2 Care, added:
“The Parliamentary event was an amazing experience and opportunity to allow MPs a glimpse into the world of people living with dementia. Building empathy and new perspectives was so worthwhile, particularly with so many having a personal connection through loved ones with a diagnosis of dementia.
“The collaboration between Training 2 CARE and Berkley Care Group was born from two organisations committed to improving the dementia landscape. High-quality training and dedicated care will continue to benefit and improve lives for all”.
