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Dementia Action Week 2026

13 May 2026

Working together to build understanding, challenge stigma and support our community

Colleagues and forgetful friends sat outside around a bench, smiling

Next week is Dementia Action Week (18-24 May), a national campaign to share stories and raise awareness of dementia, which 982,000 people are estimated to be living with in the UK alone.

Here in Manchester, our Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work colleagues work in partnership with Together Dementia Support, a local charity providing social and support services including weekly friendship and activity groups, home visits, Dementia Cafés, specialist support for carers and much more.

Much of our collaboration is with the Fabulous Forgetful Friends, an inspiring friendship group of people living with dementia. This group regularly deliver sessions for our undergraduate nursing students on campus, and the feedback we receive from students says it all:

"I loved this day. It felt very insightful and useful. The Fabulous Forgetful Friends were definitely FABULOUS!!!!!  It really helped to hear the experiences of real people who have dementia.”

With the help of Together Dementia Support we aim to instil a better understanding of the lives and needs of people living with dementia and their families, to inform better care and support in our health and social care services and to challenge the stigma that often surrounds the condition. This is partnership in action, the kind that reflects who we are as a university: open, values‑led and committed to turning knowledge into impact for the public good. 

Together Demetia Support is running a series of events throughout Dementia Action Week – find out more about them here.

Dementia Drop-in

Simon Burrow and Helen Pusey, Senior Lecturers in the Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, will be providing a drop-in for staff and students to find out more about dementia, the support available for those living with a diagnosis and for family carers and our work with Together Dementia Support.

  • When: Monday 18 May, 11.00am – 2.00pm
  • Where: Jean McFarlane Building atrium