World Alzheimer’s Month in Chingford
What Will You Do This September? Why World Alzheimer’s Month Matters in Chingford
Every September, communities across the globe come together to mark World Alzheimer’s Month, a time to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and support those living with dementia. At Home Instead Chingford, we’re proud to take part by sharing the real-life experiences of our Care Professionals, clients, and families. From local awareness events and social media campaigns to team-led fundraisers and heartfelt stories from those we support, this month is all about creating space for understanding. The question we’re asking in Chingford is simple: what will you do to help start the conversation?
In this blog, we explore why World Alzheimer’s Month matters so much to our local community, how Home Instead Chingford is getting involved, and the many ways you can take part throughout September.
Why World Alzheimer’s Month Deserves Your Attention
Dementia is not just a memory problem. It’s not something that only affects “other people.” In the UK, dementia is now the leading cause of death, and yet many still don’t fully understand what it is, or how deeply it affects families, workplaces, and communities.
Launched in 2011 by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), World Alzheimer’s Month has become a worldwide campaign. But more importantly, it’s an opportunity for local change. This year’s theme, #AskAboutDementia, invites people in Chingford and beyond to open up conversations, learn, and offer real support to those who need it most.
What Dementia Is (And What It Isn’t)
One of the campaign’s top priorities is addressing widespread misunderstandings. Dementia isn’t a natural part of ageing. It’s a progressive condition that affects memory, thinking, communication, and the ability to carry out daily tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, but there are many others.
Surprisingly, over 60% of healthcare professionals globally still view dementia as just part of getting older. In fact, the 2024 World Alzheimer Report found that 65% of health and care professionals hold this misconception. This kind of thinking delays diagnosis and stops families from getting the support they need. That’s why World Alzheimer’s Month is so important; it brings facts into the open and puts dignity and understanding first.
A Month of Action: What’s Happening in September
The campaign runs from 1 to 29 September, with World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September. Around the world, and across the UK, September is filled with events and activities designed to inform and support. These include:
- Memory walks
- Coffee mornings
- Educational talks
- Online awareness campaigns
- Community events
Locally in Chingford, we at Home Instead Chingford will be running activities to raise awareness and spark conversation. We’ll also be highlighting personal stories from our care team, clients, and families, stories that show what living with dementia really looks like.
SPOT THE SIGNS AWARENESS EVENT:
Home Instead Chingford in partnership with the North Chingford Cuppa & Conversation group & the Waltham Forest Social Prescribing Team presents Spot the Signs Awareness Event.
Caring for an ageing loved one can be rewarding, but it also brings new challenges. Sometimes the smallest changes can signal that someone may need extra support. Whether you’re caring for a parent, grandparent, neighbour, or friend, you’ll leave with tools to recognise the signs and support your loved ones with confidence and compassion.
What to expect:
Learn how to recognise the early warning signs
Discover resources and local support services
Hear real stories and practical advice
Find out how to start the Care Conversation
Where: The Community Room, North Chingford Library, E4 7EN
When: October 8, 2025, 1pm – 3pm
For more information contact: Home Instead – 0208 114 2000, Tara Khare – 07983684113
A National Campaign with Local Heart
The 2025 theme #AskAboutDementia encourages openness. It’s a call to everyone, families, employers, healthcare workers, and neighbours, to talk, listen, and learn.
That might mean:
- Asking a friend how their parent is coping
- Talking to your children about dementia
- Learning more about symptoms and signs
- Offering support to a colleague who is a carer
- Sharing a social media post that challenges misconceptions
No question is too small. No moment of kindness is wasted.
Home Instead Chingford: Raising Awareness Locally
At Home Instead Chingford, dementia care is part of our daily work. Around 65% of our clients live with dementia, and we support not just them, but their families, carers, and communities too.
This September, we’ll be:
- Sharing educational materials with local partners
- Posting stories and helpful tips on our Facebook page
- Running an awareness display in our Chingford office
- Encouraging team discussions on how we can better support those living with dementia
Our office is open to anyone who’d like to learn more. Whether you’re worried about a loved one or just want to understand more, you’re welcome to pop in and have a chat.
Huge congratulations to Mario Persico, Monika Divito – Home Instead Altrincham, and Michelle Lawson who each ran 5k in the Media City Run Through Corporate Relay on 24th September — and smashed it!
They ran not just for fun, but for a fantastic cause: Home Instead Charities. Our incredible charity works to enhance the lives of ageing adults by tackling loneliness, supporting independence, and funding community projects that keep older people connected and thriving.
A Learning Opportunity: The Dementia Experience Bus
One of the most innovative features of this year’s campaign is the Virtual Dementia Experience Bus, created by Training 2 Care in partnership with Home Instead.
This interactive experience helps people truly understand how dementia affects the senses and brain. Using goggles, headphones, and insoles, participants try everyday tasks that suddenly feel unfamiliar or challenging, offering a small but powerful glimpse into a different world.
The bus will be visiting cities including Stockport, Sheffield, Bristol, and Norwich this summer. For bookings, call 01376 573999 or email info@training2care.co.uk.
We hope to bring something similar to Chingford in future, because the more people understand, the more thoughtful and inclusive our care can become.
How Employers Can Make a Difference
Dementia affects working-age adults too, and even more commonly, it affects carers in the workplace. If you’re an employer, manager or team leader in Chingford, there are some simple but meaningful steps you can take:
- Allow flexible working for carers
- Offer time off for medical appointments
- Provide training for staff on dementia awareness
- Create an open culture so employees feel safe discussing personal challenges
If your workplace would like guidance on becoming more dementia-friendly, we’d be happy to share resources or speak with your team.
Protecting Loved Ones from Financial Scams
Another often-overlooked issue is the risk of financial scams. People living with dementia may be more vulnerable to phone scams, phishing emails, and rogue traders. Criminals often target the same individuals multiple times, especially if they’re unsure whether the person remembers the first contact.
Practical Steps You Can Take:
- Install a call blocker
- Set up mail redirection
- Arrange a Lasting Power of Attorney
- Use Action Fraud’s 159 scam hotline
- Share awareness materials with neighbours, carers, and local groups
If you’re worried about someone you know in Chingford, we can help you connect with local safeguarding services.
Caring for the Carers
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be rewarding, but also exhausting and isolating. World Alzheimer’s Month reminds us not to forget the people doing the caring.
At Home Instead Chingford, we work closely with families to offer:
- Personalised home care support
- Respite visits so carers can take a break
- Access to advice and local services
- A listening ear when things get tough
If you’re caring for someone and need support, the Dementia Support Line (0333 150 3456) is open and confidential. You’re not alone.
Changing the Conversation, & the System
While raising awareness is key, so is pushing for change. We support the campaign’s call for:
- Earlier dementia diagnoses
- Better access to rehabilitation
- Government funding for care and research
- Recognition and support for unpaid carers
- Clear national dementia care strategies
Personal stories are one of the most effective ways to make policymakers listen. If you or a loved one have experienced challenges accessing support, now is the time to share.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Talk Dementia, Together
World Alzheimer’s Month is not just a date on the calendar. It’s a time for reflection, learning, and meaningful action.
At Home Instead Chingford, we’re committed to supporting everyone affected by dementia in our community. Whether you choose to take part in a memory walk, attend a local event, donate to research, or simply ask someone how they’re doing, your actions matter.
This September, let’s start conversations that truly count.
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