Dementia Action Week, taking place from Monday 20 May to Sunday 26 May 2025, is a national initiative led by the Alzheimer’s Society and supported by organisations, communities, and individuals across the UK.It is a vital opportunity to raise awareness, improve understanding, and inspire action to support those living with Dementia and the Carers who support them. 🧠 What is Dementia? Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive neurological conditions that affect memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform everyday activities.There are many different types of Dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing — it is caused by diseases of the brain.While it is more common in people over 65, younger people can also be affected. Living with Dementia can be challenging, not just for the individual, but also for the family members and friends who take on caring responsibilities. Raising awareness and promoting understanding helps create a more inclusive and supportive society for everyone affected. 💬 Why Dementia Action Week Matters Dementia Action Week is about more than just raising awareness — it is about taking action.By improving knowledge and understanding, we can tackle stigma, encourage early diagnosis, and ensure that those living with Dementia and their Carers have access to the support they need. Key aims of Dementia Action Week include: 🌍 How You Can Support Dementia Action Week Everyone has a part to play in making a difference. Here are a few ways you can get involved: Together, we can create a society that is more inclusive, supportive, and empowering for those living with Dementia and their Carers. Whilst a diagnosis can be life-changing, it does not define a person.By working together, raising awareness, and taking positive action, we can build communities where everyone affected by Dementia feels valued, understood, and supported. This week — and every week — let’s take action for a better future for people living with Dementia and those who care for them.
May Newsletter: Celebrating Carers Week 2025
Celebrating Carers Week 2025: Championing Equality for Unpaid Carers
Carers Week 2025, taking place from 9th–15th June, shines a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of the UK’s 5.8 million unpaid Carers. This year’s theme, Caring About Equality, underscores the disparities and challenges Carers face, including financial hardship, social isolation, and limited access to support services.
Understanding the Theme: Caring About Equality
Unpaid Carers are the backbone of our society, providing essential care to family members, friends, and neighbours. Despite their significant contributions, many Carers experience inequalities that impact their health, finances, and opportunities.
Our Events and Activities for you
Forward Carers are putting on several events over Carers week. Some are available to book now and more will appear in early June.
Rights at Work
Support for Working Carers: Your Rights at Work & Financial Wellbeing. Join us for an informative online session exploring Carers leave and your rights in the workplace.
Learn how the Carer’s Leave Act and other rights can support you as a working Carer. Find out how to approach conversations with your employer about your entitlements. Hear from expert guest speakers, including the Carer Money Matters Project, covering benefits, budgeting help, and local financial support.
📅 Session Times on Microsoft Teams:
Lunch & Learn: 1:00–1:45pm (plus 15 min Q&A)
Evening : 7pm – 7,45pm (plus 15 min Q&A)
Take a look at what else is happening here: Calendly
Events from Our Dorset
Join the Our Dorset community in celebrating Carers Week with a series of events aimed at recognising and supporting Carers across the region.
Hidden Gardens Event Blandford Forum. (In partnership with Forward Carers and Carer Support Dorset)
Come and explore this fascinating Georgian gem, described as a “Little Bath in bricks”. Visit some very different gardens – Georgian to modern, large to courtyard, including ones not opened before. Refreshments available.
Cost – Free Entry to first 50 Carers and half price thereafter, with Carers ID Card. (usually £7.00) to visit all the gardens, accompanied under 18s free.
How to get tickets / programmes
Contact Us | Blandford Town Museum
More Events
Pavilion Dance Event
Celebrate the week with a special event at Pavilion Dance. Pavilion Dance South West – FREE Moving to Music Session, studio tour, Lunch & Social Time!
Date: Tuesday 10th June
Location: Pavilion Dance Southwest (Bournemouth in Dorset)
A morning of movement, music, a tour of Pavilion Dance studios, for Carers (those they support are welcome too). Lunch and refreshments included. Music and movement class are optional. We will be joined by various BCP Carers services for information and a chat.
🕙 10:00am – Start your day with refreshments, friendly chats, and find out more about local services and support available for Carers.
🕥 10:30 – 11:30am – Take part in a FREE Moving to Music Class led by Samantha Gillingham – open to Carers and/or their Cared For.
🥗 11:30am – 1:30pm – A relaxed social lunch, mini tours of the dance studios, and chat with a Wellbeing through Dance Producer.
🎟️ Tickets and lunch funded by Leonardo Carer Support.
Brownsea Island Trip
Take a FREE trip to The National Trust – Brownsea Island Saturday 14th June
Including FREE Ferry and entry included, limited to small group of 15, so book early via Carer Support Dorset.
Contact them via
Further Resources
For more information on Carers Week 2025 visit the official Carers Week website.
Dorset Carers: Your Latest Offers & Resources
Natural Skin by Lynne- Complimentary Pamper Session (for up to 4 people), and an additional 10% off any products/services purchased.
At Natural Skin by Lynne, we combine expert skincare with luxurious pampering to support the community, carers, and brides-to-be. As a qualified skin specialist and bridal makeup artist, Lynne is passionate about helping people look and feel their best—whether it’s through tailored skincare treatments or flawless wedding makeup.
We understand that carers often put others first, leaving little time for self-care. That’s why we offer relaxing facials, rejuvenating pamper sessions, and much-needed me time to refresh and restore. For brides, we create radiant, natural makeup looks that enhance their beauty while ensuring their skin is healthy and glowing for the big day.
From specialist skincare solutions to bridal transformations, Natural Skin by Lynne is dedicated to making everyone feel confident, cared for, and pampered. Because whether you’re a Carer, part of the community, or a bride-to-be, you deserve some ‘me time’….
Community Action Network
Community Action Network have just started a brand new project called ‘We CAN talk about cancer’, to help paid and unpaid Carers spot signs of cancer in the person they care for.
Volunteers, who have been trained by Wessex Cancer Support, will meet Carers in person or online and share a 20 minute presentation with them about signs and symptoms of cancer.
There’ll be time for Questions and Answers and Carers will be given booklets of useful information, including which voluntary and community sector groups can support following a cancer diagnosis.
Want to find out more? Please ask! Email hannah.rees@can100.org to arrange a chat’
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Posted 13 May 2025 Dementia Action Week 2025: Raising Awareness and Taking Action
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Posted 12 May 2025 May Newsletter: Celebrating Carers Week 2025
Celebrating Carers Week 2025: Championing Equality for Unpaid Carers Carers Week 2025, taking place from 9th–15th June, shines a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of the UK’s 5.8 million unpaid Carers. This year’s theme, Caring About Equality, underscores the disparities and challenges Carers face, including financial hardship, social isolation, and limited access to support services. Understanding […]
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Posted 8 April 2025 April Newsletter
Spring Into Support this April 🌼 We know that being asked to take part in surveys can sometimes feel like you’re saying the same thing repeatedly and you don’t see the impact. Sadly, some changes take a long time. As Carers, your time is precious and often stretched between work, caring responsibilities, and everyday life. […]