South Lanarkshire Marks World Alzheimer’s Month
Are We Truly Listening? Why World Alzheimer’s Month Matters Here in South Lanarkshire
Every September, World Alzheimer’s Month invites us all to stop, reflect and ask an important question: how are we supporting those living with dementia, not just on paper, but in real life, in our communities, homes, and hearts?
At Home Instead South Lanarkshire, we see the impact of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia every single day. We support individuals and families navigating the realities of memory loss, communication changes, emotional shifts, and care challenges. So when World Alzheimer’s Month returns this September (1–29 September 2025), we aren’t just observing; we’re taking part.
We believe raising awareness is not just about facts or figures. It’s about giving dementia the visibility it deserves, encouraging more open conversations about it, and letting the people behind the diagnosis know: you are seen, you are heard, and you are not alone.
A Global Movement with Local Roots
Led by Alzheimer’s Disease International and supported across the UK by the Alzheimer’s Society, World Alzheimer’s Month is more than a campaign; it’s a call to action. From 1 to 29 September 2025, the month encourages individuals, businesses, schools, and care providers to speak up, share stories, and challenge the stigma that can often make those affected feel left out or not fully understood.
The theme for 2025 is simple but powerful: “Bring dementia out from behind closed doors.”
This means confronting difficult realities, highlighting everyday experiences, and pushing for changes in policy, access, and support. While dementia is a national and global health issue, many of the most important changes begin at the local level, in places like South Lanarkshire.
What We're Doing at Home Instead South Lanarkshire
Join Us at the Dementia & Seniors Group in Blantyre
In addition to our awareness activities, we’re pleased to support the new Dementia & Seniors Group at Blantyre LIFE, held on the first Wednesday of every month from 11:00am to 1:00pm starting on Wednesday 3 September 2025.
This free, friendly gathering welcomes those living with dementia, their carers, and anyone in the local elderly community who’d enjoy some company over a cuppa. You can expect a safe and relaxed environment, plenty of conversation, and optional activities.
The group meets at Blantyre LIFE, 90 Park Lane, Blantyre, G72 9AS just ask at reception on arrival.
This new café-style initiative offers a chance to connect, unwind, and feel part of a supportive local network. For more information, please contact Tracy McMorran on 07471 518734.
Why This Month Matters So Much
There are currently nearly one million people in the UK living with dementia. This includes hundreds of families here in South Lanarkshire. It is the leading cause of death in England and Wales, yet still doesn’t receive the level of funding, discussion, and understanding it deserves by many.
Often, those affected feel as though they are managing alone. The care system can sometimes feel complex to navigate, and the emotional impact is significant for the person diagnosed and their loved ones.
That’s why World Alzheimer’s Month matters. It gives us the chance to change the conversation from one of confusion and silence to one of awareness, compassion, and action.
Recognising the Early Signs: Why It Matters
One of the most important parts of dementia awareness is understanding the early warning signs. Detecting changes early can lead to quicker support and help families plan more effectively.
Some of the most common early signs include:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Difficulty solving problems or following plans
- Trouble with familiar tasks like cooking or using a phone
- Confusion with dates, time, or place
- Struggling with visual images or judging distances
- Difficulty finding words or following conversations
- Misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps
- Poor decision-making
- Withdrawal from work or social events
- Changes in mood, behaviour, or personality
If you notice these signs in yourself or someone close to you, it’s a good idea to speak to your GP. Early diagnosis isn’t always easy, but it is valuable. It opens the door to information, support services, and often, a sense of relief from uncertainty.
Six Ways to Get Involved in World Alzheimer’s Month 2025
Here’s how you can support the campaign this September, whether you’re a carer, a business, a student, or simply someone who cares.
1. Share Your Story
Your personal experience, or your family’s, can help others feel less alone. Sharing doesn’t have to be public or dramatic. A social media post, a few words, or a photo using the hashtags:
- #WorldAlzheimersMonth
- #WorldAlzheimersDay
- #DementiaAwareness
- #SupportAlz
can go a long way.
If you’re comfortable doing so, you can also submit your story to the Alzheimer’s Society website.
2. Take Part in a Memory Walk
Throughout September, the Alzheimer’s Society will be holding Memory Walks across the country. These sponsored events raise funds for research and support services, and they also bring people together.
We’ll be attending a local walk as a team, so if you’d like to join us in South Lanarkshire, please get in touch.
3. Talk to Your MP
Policy shapes care, and voices shape policy. Contacting your local MP to ask for better dementia funding and access to early diagnosis services helps keep dementia on the political agenda.
The Alzheimer’s Society offers resources to help you do this quickly and effectively.
4. Educate Someone
Sometimes the most powerful action is simply passing on information. You can raise awareness in your workplace, faith group, school, or social club. We can provide posters, information leaflets, or even arrange short awareness talks.
5. Volunteer or Donate
Whether you have time to spare or can make a small donation, charities supporting dementia care and research always need help. Even a few hours a month volunteering at events or supporting a befriending scheme can mean a great deal.
6. Support Someone Living With Dementia
Small, thoughtful acts go a long way:
- Chat about familiar memories
- Offer help with shopping or appointments
- Be patient with changes in behaviour
- Give their main carer a short break
- Wear purple on 21 September to show support
These everyday gestures help ensure no one feels left behind.
The Importance of Political and Research Progress
This year’s campaign is also about asking hard questions of those in power. Despite the scale of dementia’s impact, it still doesn’t always receive the priority it needs in terms of funding and research.
Recent advances in treatment offer hope, but access is uneven, diagnosis rates are still too low, and the workforce remains under strain.
Sustained pressure is needed to push for better funding, clearer diagnosis pathways, and equitable support for all families, including those in South Lanarkshire.
Help Is Available
If you’re currently facing a dementia diagnosis or caring for someone who is, you are not alone.
Support services include:
- Dementia Support Line: Call 0333 150 3456 for expert advice
- Alzheimer’s Society Website: Tools, resources, and support directories
- Online Forums: A safe space to connect with others
- Local Services: Ask us about dementia-friendly activities and support in South Lanarkshire
Closing Thoughts: Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
At Home Instead South Lanarkshire, we believe that dementia should not be a quiet crisis. It should be part of our everyday conversations, not hidden away.
World Alzheimer’s Month 2025 gives us the opportunity to bring those conversations out into the open and stand alongside those affected.
We’re proud to support this campaign, and we invite you to join us. Whether you’re wearing purple, sharing your story, or simply checking in on someone living with memory loss, your actions matter.
To learn more about our dementia care services in South Lanarkshire or get involved in our awareness activities this September, please contact our friendly team or visit homeinstead.co.uk/south-lanarkshire.
Together, we can help make South Lanarkshire a more informed, compassionate place for those living with dementia, not just during World Alzheimer’s Month, but all year round.
Areas We Serve
Lanark, Carluke, Biggar & the surrounding areas
G75 0, G75 9, ML10 6, ML11 0, ML11 7, ML11 8, ML11 9, ML12 6, ML3 0, ML3 6, ML3 7, ML3 8, ML3 9, ML8 4, ML8 5, ML9 1, ML9 2, ML9 3
7 St Leonard St, Lanark ML11 7AB, UK
01555 700601