Raising Awareness This World Alzheimer’s Month
Join us this September as North Somerset unites for World Alzheimer’s Month with events, stories & support.
What Will You Do This September? How Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon & Burnham-on-Sea Are Coming Together for World Alzheimer’s Month
September marks World Alzheimer’s Month, a time for communities everywhere to come together in raising awareness, sharing stories, and supporting those living with dementia. At Home Instead Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon & Burnham-on-Sea, we’re proud to be part of this global movement. This year, we’re joining the call to #AskAboutDementia by highlighting real experiences and achievements from our team, participating in local events across North Somerset such as a purple-themed awareness day, and holding our three memory cafés. Our team is committed to creating space for meaningful conversations throughout the month.
In this blog, we’ll explore what World Alzheimer’s Month means, how our local Home Instead team is getting involved, and the many ways you can take part. Whether you’re sharing a story, joining a walk, or simply learning more, every action makes a difference.
What Is World Alzheimer’s Month?
World Alzheimer’s Month is a global campaign led by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), observed throughout September and culminating in World Alzheimer’s Day on the 21st. It’s a chance to raise awareness about dementia, challenge stigma, and support families and carers who are living with its impact every single day.
Launched in 2012, the campaign has grown into a significant international event, uniting healthcare providers, care agencies, governments, families, and individuals. This year’s theme #AskAboutDementia encourages open conversations, replacing fear and silence with information and empathy.
Why This Campaign Is Important
Dementia affects over 55 million people globally. In the UK, it’s the leading cause of death. Despite this, public understanding remains limited. Myths persist, like the idea that dementia is simply “getting old”, while many many carers experience emotional exhaustion and may feel unsure where to find support.
World Alzheimer’s Month is an opportunity to change that. The campaign aims to:
- Encourage early diagnosis and timely support
- Reduce stigma by sharing real-life stories
- Highlight the important role of family carers
- Call for greater investment in care services and research
- Share accurate, practical information about dementia
Understanding This Year’s Theme #AskAboutDementia: The 2025 campaign invites everyone, carers, neighbours, GPs, even schoolchildren, to ask questions about dementia. Not just medical ones, but personal ones: What is it like to live with memory loss? How can I be more patient with a loved one who’s confused? Where can we find help locally?
At Home Instead, we believe that education and empathy are powerful tools. By increasing understanding, we can better support those living with dementia in our local communities.
National Support: Alzheimer’s Society UK
The Alzheimer’s Society remains a key voice in dementia support across the UK. This year, they’re calling on those affected by dementia to share their stories, helping to create a case for better care funding and political action.
They’re also encouraging participation in local Memory Walks, including one nearby in Bristol, and urging people to campaign for improved dementia care.
Here’s how you can support Alzheimer’s Society this September:
- Submit your story on their website
- Join a fundraising event near you
- Donate to support dementia research and local services
- Use their Dementia Support Line (0333 150 3456) for advice
- Find local support groups via their Dementia Directory
We often signpost families in Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon, and Burnham-on-Sea to these services, and we’re here to help if you need guidance.
Focus for 2025: The Role of Rehabilitation in Dementia Care
Each World Alzheimer’s Month, Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) publishes a new World Alzheimer Report. This year’s focus is on rehabilitation, an area of dementia care that doesn’t always receive the attention it deserves.
Rehabilitation in this context isn’t just about physical therapy. It includes:
- Cognitive stimulation to help maintain mental function
- Occupational therapy for daily living tasks
- Social activities that encourage connection
- Home adaptations to help people live more independently
These are all services that Home Instead prioritises in our care planning. We work with families to build personalised care that includes not only safety and practical help, but meaningful engagement and confidence-building.
Dementia in the Workplace: What Employers Can Do
With many people balancing jobs and caring responsibilities, the workplace has an important role to play in supporting carers and raising awareness.
A great example is Generali UK, which is supporting World Alzheimer’s Month through its employee wellbeing programme. Their initiatives include HR training, workplace resources on cognitive health, and downloadable planning calendars.
If you’re an employer in North Somerset looking to make your workplace more dementia-aware, there are plenty of simple ways to get involved:
- Offer dementia awareness training
- Share ADI or Alzheimer’s Society materials with your teams
- Allow flexible working for employees who are carers
- Encourage participation in fundraising events
We’d be happy to support your efforts, feel free to reach out to us for ideas and resources tailored to your team.
How You Can Help In Big Ways or Small
Whether you’re a business, a carer, a community member, or simply someone who cares, there are plenty of ways to support World Alzheimer’s Month:
Learn and Share
- Understand the early signs of dementia
- Talk openly with friends, family, and neighbours
- Use hashtags like #WorldAlzheimersDay and #AskAboutDementia to join the conversation online
- Join a Memory Walk or community fundraiser
- Volunteer your time to support a dementia charity
- Donate to local or national organisations doing important work
- Offer a listening ear to a carer or person living with dementia
- Suggest local resources like memory cafés or support groups
- Offer help with everyday routines or simply spend meaningful time together
Take Action
Support Someone Close to You
Where to Go for Help
If you’re looking for more information, the following organisations are leading sources of support:
- Alzheimer’s Disease International – global resources and campaign materials
- Alzheimer’s Society UK – support, advice, fundraising events
- Dementia Friends – learn how to be more dementia-aware
- Generali UK – workplace support and wellbeing materials
Or speak directly to us at Home Instead Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon & Burnham-on-Sea, we’re here to listen, advise, and guide you through every step of your care journey.
A Final Word: Every Action Counts
World Alzheimer’s Month reminds us all of the power of connection, community, and care. From Burnham’s quiet coastal streets to the care homes of Clevedon and the parks of Weston-super-Mare, every conversation helps reduce stigma. Every show of support helps someone feel less alone.
So this September, whether you wear purple, take a walk, donate, or simply reach out to a neighbour, know that you’re part of something meaningful.
Together, we can make a difference.
💜 Let’s stand united, locally and globally, for everyone affected by dementia.
To learn more about how Home Instead Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon & Burnham-on-Sea supports people living with dementia and their families, visit:https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/weston-clevedon-burnham
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