Residents and businesses support Dementia Action Week 2025

We are marking this year's Dementia Action Week (19–25 May 2025) by supporting the Alzheimer’s Society’s national campaign to promote early diagnosis and raise awareness of dementia symptoms.

The campaign encourages people to take action by recognising the signs of dementia early, speaking to a GP, and accessing the support available.

Research shows that early diagnosis helps people take control of their health and plan ahead, improving their quality of life and enabling access to the care, treatment and support. To support residents, the Alzheimer’s Society has created a Dementia Symptom Checklist - a quick and accessible tool for anyone concerned about memory or behaviour changes in themselves or someone they care about.

Creating a dementia friendly city

Dementia Action Week aligns with our council plan’s aim to support people to age well and make Brighton & Hove an age and dementia friendly city, where people of all ages feel supported, valued and included.

Councillor Jacob Allen, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Service Transformation, said: “Dementia affects many people in our city, and we know that early diagnosis makes a huge difference. By raising awareness and making our services more accessible, we can ensure people get the help they need sooner. We’re proud to work with local partners on our aim to make Brighton & Hove become a dementia friendly city.”

Get involved

The council and partners are promoting a range of local services and events:

• The Hop50+ Café, running 17 to 21 May - Display of artwork, stories and words exploring “What support matters most to you” created by Hop Stop customers and Bright Shadow Dementia Arts in collaboration with Brighton & Sussex Medical School and University of Kent.
• Sporting Memories Club at St George’s Church in Kemptown on Monday 19 May from 10.30am – 11.30am, and at 1st Central County Ground on Tuesday 20 May and Thursday 22 May from 10am - 11.30am - Using the rich history and heritage of sport, Sporting Memories clubs are open to those who enjoy reminiscing about their experiences of watching or playing sport.
• Tea, cake and conversation event at Mayo Wynne Baxte on Wednesday 21 May, from 10.30am - 12.30pm - Tea, cake and conversation in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and non-compulsory conversational bingo.
• DASHbrighton Dementia Arts Support Hub at St Luke’s Prestonville on Wednesday 21 May from 11.30am – 1.30pm - Arts workshop, carers support and followed by pay as you feel 3 course lunch, open to guests with dementia and their carer.
• Drop-in information hub and Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends Information Session at Hove Museum of Creativity on Thursday 22 May from 10.30am - 1pm - Join the Age and Dementia Friendly team and other local services at Hove Museum for a relaxed drop in information morning.

For more information about local events, view our Dementia Action Week events and activities calendar.

Residents can support the campaign by:

• Learning the signs and symptoms of dementia
• Encouraging loved ones to speak to their GP
• Becoming a Dementia Friend
• Sharing information through community networks

Become a Dementia Friend

Residents can support the national campaign by becoming a Dementia Friend and joining the growing number of people helping to combat loneliness and social isolation for people living with dementia.

A Dementia Friend is somebody that learns about dementia so they can help their community. By raising awareness and understanding, Dementia Friends help people living with dementia continue to live in the way they want.

There are already more than 12,000 Dementia Friends in Brighton & Hove. The Alzheimer's Society, which runs the Dementia Friends programme, has set themselves a target of training 7,000 new Dementia Friends during Dementia Action Week.

Holly Baker, Designated Safeguarding Officer at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club (BHAFC) Foundation, said: “For our ‘Albion Memories’ programme, the Dementia Friends session helped increase our knowledge of dementia and gave us a deeper understanding of how to identify early signs, adapt our communication, and respond appropriately to the evolving needs of individuals living with dementia.

“Continued learning in this area is not just good practice—it’s a responsibility and Dementia Friends provides the space for this.”

To learn more about dementia, join the free 30-minute online session at 12.30pm on Wednesday 21 May, or book onto other online sessions, which can be found on the Dementia Friends website.

Age & Dementia-Friendly Business Recognition Scheme

Local businesses are encouraged to sign up to the new Age & Dementia-Friendly Business 5-step Pledge, which outlines five simple steps for businesses to become more accessible to older people and people living with dementia.

Victoria Garcia, Accessibility and Communities Manager at Brighton & Hove Buses said: “We are delighted to be an accredited Age and Dementia Friendly Business where all of our colleagues are dementia friends.

“Through our partnership with the Alzheimer's Society and Brighton & Hove City Council our buses have dementia friendly flooring and we’re currently working with the 'Rusty Brains' dementia group to co-design a new fabric design for our seats.”

To find more about the five steps and benefits of joining the business recognition scheme, visit our website or email the Public Health Team at publichealth@brighton-hove.gov.uk