Making Memory Matter This September
Join Home Instead New Forest this September to raise awareness for World Alzheimer’s Month.
Could You Spot the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s? Why September Matters in the New Forest
Every September, people across the globe pause to reflect, learn, and take action during World Alzheimer’s Month. But this isn’t just a national awareness campaign, it’s personal. At Home Instead New Forest, we see every day how dementia touches lives, affects families, and reshapes what it means to give and receive care. And in 2025, more than ever, we’re inviting our community across Lymington, Brockenhurst, Totton, Hythe, and beyond to get involved, speak out, and make a difference.
In the sections that follow, we explore what World Alzheimer’s Month means, why it matters locally, and how you can get involved. From sharing a story to attending a local event, there are many ways to show your support this September.
What Is World Alzheimer’s Month?
Held annually since 2012, World Alzheimer’s Month is an international movement led by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI). The campaign runs from 1 to 29 September, with World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September acting as a focal point for reflection, education, and action.
This year’s theme, Supporting Memory, Challenging Stigma, couldn’t be more timely. With dementia now the leading cause of death in the UK, raising awareness is more vital than ever. Yet it continues to receive less funding, focus, and understanding compared with other conditions, something World Alzheimer’s Month aims to change.
At Home Instead New Forest, our mission goes beyond providing home care, it’s about dignity, support, and informed compassion. We understand that for many families, receiving a diagnosis or starting to notice symptoms can be confusing and frightening. That’s why World Alzheimer’s Month is so important: it opens doors to knowledge, conversation, and change.
Why Dementia Deserves More Attention
Unlike a broken bone or a physical injury, dementia isn’t visible. And unlike many other conditions, it’s often misunderstood. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, affects memory, decision-making, communication, and the ability to manage daily routines. But behind every diagnosis is a human story.
From early signs like forgetting recent events or struggling with familiar words to more advanced stages that involve confusion, disorientation, or even changes in personality, Dementia touches every part of a person’s life, as well as the lives of those who care about them, often bringing emotional challenges that deserve understanding and support.
Yet too many people are still reluctant to talk about it, even with their GP. Stigma and silence create barriers to support. World Alzheimer’s Month aims to change that by encouraging honesty, connection, and the understanding that nobody should face dementia alone.
How the Campaign Is Making an Impact
Across the UK, organisations are marking the month with activities that go far beyond awareness. In Nottinghamshire, for example, Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries is offering meaningful community-based support with initiatives like:
- Memory Lane Bags: Reminiscence kits filled with books, objects, and conversation prompts designed to spark memories and communication.
- Sing with Friends: Music therapy events that bring joy, connection, and calm to individuals with dementia and their carers.
- The Care Squares Exhibition: Thousands of knitted squares and blankets donated by locals, symbolising warmth and togetherness for those affected by memory loss.
These efforts are part of a broader national movement supported by charities like the Alzheimer’s Society, which is encouraging people across the UK to share personal stories, support one another, and fight stigma together.
Local Awareness: What’s Happening at Home Instead New Forest?
Here in the New Forest, we’re proud to join this campaign, not only by supporting clients living with dementia, but also by raising awareness in our community and in our office.
Are you raising awareness in your workplace this September? We are. Our team is planning several local activities, including:
- Memory Walks in Lymington and Hythe to show support and raise funds for dementia services.
- An in-office Awareness Wall where our team can share stories, facts, and support messages throughout September.
- Training workshops for our Care Professionals, focused on compassionate communication and recognising the subtle signs of cognitive change.
- Local storytelling features on our website and social media to highlight the real experiences of families we support across the New Forest.
We’re also encouraging team members to wear purple on World Alzheimer’s Day (21 September), a simple but visible sign of unity with the global campaign.
If you or someone you know would like to contribute a local story, photo, or reflection, please reach out to our team. We’re here to listen.
How You Can Take Part, Even in Small Ways
You don’t need to be a medical expert or have a loved one with a diagnosis to support World Alzheimer’s Month. There are many ways to make a difference in the New Forest:
1. Share Your Story
If dementia has touched your life, your voice can help others feel less alone. Post on social media using hashtags like:
- #WorldAlzheimersMonth
- #DementiaAwareness
- #SupportAlz
2. Attend or Host an Event
Whether it’s a coffee morning in Lyndhurst or a Memory Walk in Totton, local events are a powerful way to bring the community together and start important conversations.
3. Volunteer or Donate
Charities like the Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK rely on support from people like you. Even a small donation helps fund support lines, research, and outreach services.
4. Get Informed
Read up on early signs of Alzheimer’s, learn how to support a friend with memory issues, or watch one of the Alzheimer’s Society’s video stories. Awareness starts with education.
5. Start the Conversation
Talk to your friends, your GP, your family. Share what you’ve learned. Let’s make talking about dementia a normal and caring part of everyday life.
Supporting People with Dementia at Home
At Home Instead New Forest, many of our clients are living with dementia. We provide care that prioritises continuity, trust, and gentle familiarity, because we know how much routine, patience, and a kind face matter.
Our Care Professionals receive tailored training in dementia care that reflects real-life challenges and provides practical strategies for helping someone feel safe and understood. This includes:
- Using clear, respectful communication
- Creating calm, familiar routines
- Encouraging independence where possible
- Building supportive relationships with family members and friends
- Working closely with local GPs and memory clinics
- Connecting clients to community activities and resources
- Offering respite support for family carers who need a break
But we don’t stop there. We’re always looking for new ways to support people living with memory loss, including:
A More Inclusive Society Starts with Us
As part of a national push for workplace awareness, organisations like Generali UK and Includability are promoting resources to support people affected by dementia in professional settings. Whether that means adjusting hours, offering carer leave, or simply creating space for honest conversations, workplace understanding makes a big difference.
We echo that message in our own office. Several of our staff are caring for relatives living with dementia, and we know how important it is to feel seen and supported at work.
If your workplace hasn’t yet joined the conversation, this September could be the time to start. Download Generali’s free Wellbeing Calendar or speak to us about sharing resources with your team.
Final Thought: Memory Matters in the New Forest
World Alzheimer’s Month 2025 isn’t just a campaign. It’s a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a person, a daughter, husband, neighbour, or friend, who deserves respect, understanding, and support.
Whether you choose to speak out, walk for a cause, light a candle, or simply learn more, your actions make a difference.
And if you need advice, care, or simply someone to talk to, our team at Home Instead New Forest is here. We’re local, we’re experienced, and we’re committed to making life more comfortable for people living with dementia across our community.
Together, let’s make memory matter this September.
Areas We Serve
Lymington, Brockenhurst, New Milton, Totton, Lyndhurst & the surrounding areas.
BH23 8, BH24 4, BH25 5, BH25 6, BH25 7, SO40 2, SO40 3, SO40 4, SO40 7, SO40 8, SO40 9, SO41 0, SO41 3, SO41 5, SO41 6, SO41 8, SO41 9, SO42 7, SO43 7, SO45 1, SO45 2, SO45 3, SO45 4, SO45 5, SO45 6
5 Rashley Mews, High St, Lymington SO41 9AR, UK
01590 637 250