Dementia Trust campaign doubles signed up firms in first month of registrations

Sandra McDonald

The campaign brings together Scotland’s legal profession to encourage more people to consider putting a Power of Attorney in place while they still have the capacity to make decisions about their future. Building on a successful Edinburgh pilot in February 2026, Dementia Trust is inviting law firms all over Scotland to make Power of Attorney a more routine part of conversations about future planning.

Planning Ahead is supported by Sandra McDonald, former Public Guardian for Scotland and Chair Emeritus of The Dementia Trust, and dementia expert Professor June Andrews, who will share their expertise with participating firms and help equip them with the knowledge and confidence to have meaningful conversations with their clients.

Sonia Mangan, interim lead officer of The Dementia Trust, said: “We have been proud to see the collective action from Scotland’s legal community, with ten firms already committed to helping more people plan ahead.

“This early response reflects a shared commitment to addressing the POA gap in Scotland and a recognition of the important role solicitors can play in helping more people make decisions about their future.”

“Power of Attorney is an important part of planning for the future, yet too many people leave it until they are faced with a crisis.”

Participating firms will pledge to participate in a dedicated POA Month in February 2027, raising awareness among clients and donating 10 per cent of POA income to The Dementia Trust. 

Legal firms interested in taking part in Planning Ahead or accessing the Trust’s dementia awareness resources can visit: https://dementiatrust.org/planning-ahead