João Marçal-Grilo spent a year and a half on a volunteer work placement in Sri Lanka. Here he reflects on his experiences and how exchanging knowledge can benefit all parties

More than 35 million people worldwide are living with dementia. In some countries the existence of a health and social welfare state offers a level of support to those affected, but in many others resources are limited and inadequate, with responsibility for care lying primarily with relatives and friends. Significant efforts are being made by low and middle income nations to respond to the health needs of patients and carers, yet insufficient numbers of professionals and lack of specialist training opportunities are barriers that are difficult to overcome.

Based on the author’s volunteering experience in Sri Lanka, this article explores the role of UK trained nurses in supporting the development of dementia care services in countries where resources are limited. It discusses the contribution that nurses can make to the creation of services and reflects on the benefits that such exchanges can have on nursing practice in the UK.