Age UK Richmond’s Dementia Action Week 2025 brought a range of events to the borough.
Running from 19 to 25 May, the week was themed “Act on Dementia” and focused on early diagnosis.
Activities included a sensory walk at Ham House, drop-in advice sessions, a carer’s café and cake sale fundraiser.
A community health bus also parked in different areas around the borough where residents could speak with a dementia advisor or access information about their health.
The week focused on inclusivity, with a tour of Richmond Theatre and a nature walk on Barnes Green emphasising that residents with dementia could still take part in community activities.
Marie-Thérèse Keegan, Dementia Friendly Communities Richmond Co-Ordinator said: “Dementia Action Week is a crucial campaign that highlights the importance of getting a diagnosis so you can access information and services.
“It also highlights services that are available in our borough and it really inspires people to build dementia friendly and inclusive boroughs.”
Dementia advise sessions with Admiral nurses were open to the public (credit: Lucy Blackmur)
Dementia Friendly Richmond is a Richmond Council funded project which is being delivered by Age UK Richmond which aims to create an inclusive borough for residents affected by dementia.
Approximately 1,500 people have been diagnosed with dementia in Richmond upon Thames and this figure will increase in line with the local ageing population.
At a Dementia information breakfast, John Morrison, a retired schoolteacher who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, said: “I’m very lucky because there are many people that are here in Richmond to help us.
“We have been very well looked after and this event today is another example of the care that we are given, I am very appreciative of it.”
Libraries in Richmond borough displayed open tables with dementia information and resources, and created book arrangements of dementia themed books.
Age UK Richmond also collaborated with Multicultural Richmond for an event where attendees could take part in Zumba, laughing yoga, puzzles, an Indian buffet and card games while learning more about dementia.
We want to provide Richmond with more and more clickbait-free local news. To do that, we need a loyal newsletter following. Help us survive and sign up for our free weekly newsletter by clicking the link HERE.
