Age UK Sheffield has joined NHS partners in raising awareness on dementia during Dementia Action Week 2026.
The campaign highlights the importance of community and support offered by charities such as Age UK with specialist advice and essential services available for people diagnosed with dementia and their carers.
Clive Timothy, Age UK Sheffield Fundraising and Marketing Officer, said: “We get a lot of comments saying that after people receive their dementia diagnosis they are kind of left to their own devices and it’s up to us charities to fill in the gap.
“It’s really important that people are made aware that there is support and advice they can have access to and Age UK Sheffield offers that for them.”
Throughout the week and beyond it, Age UK Sheffield will be offering their Dementia Advice Sheffield service that acts as a ‘one-stop shop’ for non-clinical dementia support with services tailored to their needs.
The Dementia Advice training and guidance sessions can be held in person or through online meetings on the Age UK Sheffield website.
Another essential service highlighted this week is the Dementia Commitments initiative where organisations and communities are encouraged to make accessibility changes that improve everyday life for people living with dementia.
The purpose of the Dementia Action Week is not only to raise awareness but to help people better understand their situation without stigmas.
Other activities such as the Rosemary Memory Cafes are designed to build dementia friendly communities promoting the message that ‘you’re not alone’.
Mr Timothy said the Cafes are a great and welcoming opportunity to seek peer support and to reduce isolation from either THE person living with dementia or their carer, one of the biggest challenges the Action Week tackles.
Mr Timothy said: “It’s quite difficult to find consolation if you’re caring for someone for the first time and don’t have other people to lean on. Our Rosemary Cafes help with that.
“We want people to know there is support out there for them and we want to make sure that people know we’re here to help.”
Dementia Action Week runs from May 18 to 24 and is a part of a wider movement to ensure England is a place where people with dementia feel understood, supported and able to live well. This year’s initiative works alongside the Forget Me Not campaign that raises vital funds for those affected by dementia.
To find out more visit: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/sheffield/about-us/news/2025/dementia-action-week/ and https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-action-week