Croydon is coming together this Dementia Action Week (18-24 May) to raise awareness of dementia, promote prevention, and support residents and carers across the borough.

Throughout this week, a wide range of events and activities are taking place, offering opportunities for people to learn more about dementia, connect with support services, and find ways to help themselves and others. These include Dementia Friends sessions, open days, creative workshops, and information sessions led by local organisations and the Alzheimer’s Society. Full details are on the Croydon Council website.

The events are led by Croydon’s Dementia Action Alliance, which includes the Council, local health and care organisations, the voluntary, community and faith sector, and emergency services. They are working with residents to create a more dementia-friendly borough to ensure people living with the condition can get support, understanding and have what they need to live and age well.

The Alliance is encouraging Croydon residents to take steps to protect their brain health and reduce their risk of dementia. Whilst dementia is not an inevitable part of ageing, evidence shows that lifestyle changes can help lower risk. This includes moving more, eating a healthy, balanced diet, staying socially connected, cutting down on alcohol and keeping mentally active. More information about the Think Brain Health campaign is on the Alzheimer’s Society website.

Initiatives such as the dementia garden at Croydon University Hospital is also supporting the borough’s dementia-friendly plans. A fundraising appeal is underway to transform an outdoor space at the Hospital into a calm and accessible area for older patients and those living with dementia.

Sharling Bovell, Lead Nurse for Dementia Care at Croydon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “For someone with dementia, being taken to hospital can be incredibly distressing. On top of any physical pain, there’s the confusion of not knowing where you are, or why you’re there. Having a beautiful green space within easy reach for elderly patients will bring so many physical and psychological benefits.”

“Dementia Action Week is an important opportunity for us to remind residents about the support available for people affected by dementia. We are working to making Croydon a dementia-friendly place where people can live well, get the help they need, and feel part of their community. Across the Dementia Action Alliance, we are improving services, reducing stigma, and encouraging residents to take simple steps to protect their brain health.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon