Dementia Action Week (18 to 24 May 2026) is a national campaign led by Alzheimer’s Society, bringing communities together to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and support the 900,000 people living with dementia across the UK. This year, homes across Amicura Care Group came together with one shared belief: that every memory matters and every conversation counts. From heartfelt resident stories and live music sessions to family afternoon teas, community outings and creative workshops, our teams created a week filled with connection, comfort and joy. Here is how we marked the occasion and why it matters.
Forget Me Not Stories
Celebrating Lives Lived with Love
At the heart of our Dementia Action Week campaign was the Forget Me Not Appeal, a storytelling series from Haslingden Hall Care Home in Rossendale that celebrated the remarkable lives of residents living with dementia.
Meet Kathleen, one of our most cherished residents here at
Haslingden Hall.
Kathleen joined us in December 2021, and it didn’t take long for her to become the heart of our activity sessions. If there’s a jigsaw on the table, Kathleen’s there. If it’s Tuesday, you’ll find her at our Sing and Smile class, joining in with every word.
A member of the Church of England community, Kathleen spent her younger days attending church every Saturday afternoon. She still talks fondly about growing up with knitting needles in hand, and she hasn’t stopped. That passion carries on right here in the home.
At
Haslingden Hall, our lifestyle team creates person-centred experiences tailored around each resident’s history, hobbies and routines because every memory matters.
Born in Accrington, Barbara has lived a life full of rhythm, love, and the best Sunday dinners in the neighbourhood.
After school at St Paul’s Junior and Ridding’s Secondary, Barbara went to work at Bury’s Factory. That’s where she met Jack. The pair spent their courting days dancing to rock and roll at the Empire and catching films at the Palladium.
Together, Barbara and Jack raised four children. She made their clothes herself and sat at her sewing machine for hours. And her Sunday dinners? Famous in the community.
Her dad. A mechanic before being drafted into the army as a soldier. A quiet hero in her story.
Barbara’s life didn’t stop when dementia arrived. Her warmth, her memories, and her personality are very much alive here at
Haslingden Hall.
At
Haslingden Hall, reminiscence activities play an important role in helping residents living with dementia stay connected to the moments, passions and people that shaped their lives.
Doreen was born at home in Liverpool in 1942 – right in the middle of the war. She grew up with the sound of ships coming in and the memory of her family huddled together in the bunker, with her brother always trying to climb out.
After school, Doreen went to work at Hartley’s Jam Factory, where she met her husband, Bill. Together, they raised five loving children.
In her younger days, Doreen loved nothing more than dancing at the Mecano. And before she retired, she’d knock on her neighbours’ doors to see if they needed their shopping done. That was just who she was – always looking out for others.
Some people carry community in their bones. Doreen is one of them. And that spirit is very much alive here at
Haslingden Hall.
Born in Birch Hill Hospital in Castleton, near Rochdale, Patricia grew up surrounded by books – especially history ones.
She went on to become a nurse, working in general nursing before finding her calling as a school nurse. Or as the children knew her, ‘the Nit Nurse‘
She met her husband, Paul, and together they became “Pat and Paul”, They have two daughters, Joann and Helen. Patricia is a proud grandmother who still loves quizzes, history, and being the person everyone comes to for advice.
In fact, she’s known here at
Haslingden Hall as the home’s agony aunt. And honestly? She’s brilliant at it.
Patricia spent her career caring for others. Now it’s our turn to care for her with the same warmth and dedication she showed throughout her life.
Music, Movies and Meaningful Moments
Across our homes, the week was packed with activities designed to stimulate, comfort and bring people together.
At Carnbroe Care Centre in Coatbridge, Glasgow, residents enjoyed a live reminiscence music session featuring timeless classics from Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. A pet therapy afternoon brought comfort and smiles, followed by a resident-led movie screening of a classic film, complete with favourite snacks and great company.
At Liberton Brae Care Home in Edinburgh, the week focused on cognitive games, sensory activities and creative floral art workshops. Residents selected favourite flowers and colours, designed summer wreaths and shared stories while working side by side. These sessions support memory through familiar scents and textures, improve fine motor skills and provide calming, confidence-building experiences.
Music, creativity and sensory engagement are not simply activities in dementia care. They are powerful tools for connection, expression and wellbeing.
Family, Community and Togetherness
Dementia Action Week is also about the families, friendships and communities that surround those living with dementia. Several of our homes created special opportunities for connection.
At Craigend Gardens in Glasgow, we hosted a Family Afternoon Tea to mark International Day of Families. Residents and their loved ones shared tea, laughter and quiet moments, because a familiar voice, a shared laugh and a hand held across the table can mean everything
At River Brook Care Home in Stirchley, Birmingham, residents and relatives enjoyed a community outing to Stirchley Baths, taking part in crafting activities, browsing old newspapers and joining in gentle exercise with music.
At The Glen Care Home in Morecambe Bay, we launched our first Forget Me Not Dementia Cafe, a calm and welcoming space where families could share experiences, find reassurance and support one another over tea and biscuits. Because in dementia care, no one should ever feel they are facing it alone.
A Day in the Life at a Dementia Care Home
Craigend Gardens team also offered families a glimpse into daily life through a “day in the life” feature, showcasing the balance of routine, choice and personalised care that supports our residents every day.
Raising Awareness and Funds for Alzheimer’s Society
Throughout Dementia Action Week, Amicura pledged to donate £1 for every like and £2 for every share across our campaign posts, with all funds going to Alzheimer’s Society. This simple but powerful initiative meant that every interaction on social media contributed directly to supporting people living with dementia and their families.
Dementia currently affects around 900,000 people in the UK, and 1 in 3 people with dementia do not yet have a diagnosis. By raising awareness, sharing stories and encouraging early conversations about dementia, we can help create more understanding, inclusion and practical support in every community.
Thank you to everyone who liked, shared, commented and helped us make a difference. Your support truly matters.
Explore Dementia Care at Amicura
If you or your family are considering dementia care, residential care or nursing care for a loved one, our teams are here to help. Every Amicura home is built around warmth, dignity and genuine connection.
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Testimonials
“My mum and stepdad have both come to Jasmin Court in March this year. From my experience so far the staff are really caring I have got to know some of them quite well. My mum has shown small improvements in her health and they have helped with any problems that have arisen and dealt with them to the best of their ability. Its my mums 89th birthday soon and we are arranging a little party for her with the help of the staff and they are baking her a cake and this will be outside if the weather lets us. Every time I go I am made to feel very welcome even get offered lunch”
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“Excellent provision of a much appreciated and necessary service. From caring staff to reception the best!”
S C
Son of Resident/Service User
“Very happy with the care my mother is receiving. She is very content in her surroundings.
She enjoys taking part in the activities and enjoys the guest entertainers.
The staff are excellent at keeping me informed
of any changes in my mothers wellbeing.”
Jennifer B
Daughter of Resident/Service User
