Step inside Dementia: tour bus comes to Birkenhead for Dementia Action Week

As part of Dementia Action Week, a tour bus will be visiting Birkenhead on Tuesday 19 May, giving residents the chance to better understand what everyday life can be like for someone living with dementia.

Dementia affects many people across Wirral. In 2025, 1 in 22 people aged 65 and over were diagnosed with dementia, and this number is expected to rise to 1 in 16 by 2045. 

Whether dementia affects you personally, through a family member or friend, or you simply want to learn more, this experience is for everyone.

Where and when to visit

The dementia virtual tour bus will be in Birkenhead on:

Tuesday 19 May
10am to 4.30pm
Between TK Maxx and the Age UK shop (St John Street, Grange Precinct, Birkenhead, CH41 6HY)

The experience is free, open to the public and available on the day. Places are limited and slots cannot be booked in advance, so people are encouraged to drop by if they are nearby.

The virtual experience

The dementia virtual tour bus gives people the chance to step into the shoes of someone living with dementia.

In small, guided groups, participants take part in a short experience that shows how everyday situations can sometimes feel more difficult or confusing. Before it begins, you’ll be supported to put on simple equipment, including goggles, headphones and textured insoles.

You’ll then carry out a few everyday tasks. With these changes in place, things can feel different, helping you understand how confusion or sensory overload can affect day-to-day life.

This immersive experience is a scientifically proven way of recreating some of the challenges people with dementia face. It helps people understand not just what dementia is, but how it can feel.

Each session lasts around 15 minutes, with three people taking part at a time, and is followed by a short discussion. This gives people the chance to reflect and learn simple ways to be more patient, understanding and supportive.

Dementia Action Week in Wirral

In Wirral, the Council is working with partners across health, social care and the voluntary sector, including WIRED, Wirral Carers Alliance and Age UK Wirral, to make the borough more dementia friendly.

This includes raising awareness of dementia, promoting training, supporting inclusive community spaces, and strengthening local support so people affected by dementia can live well and feel supported in their everyday lives.

The virtual tour bus is one of the ways Dementia Action Week is being brought to life locally, helping residents build understanding through real experience.

Need support or advice?

Dementia is not a natural part of ageing, and support is available.

If you or someone you care about has concerns about memory or thinking, it’s important to speak to your GP for advice and assessment.

You can also contact the following local organisations for information, advice and support:

• Age UK Wirral - offers practical and emotional support for older people, including dementia advice, activities, day services and support for carers.
• Dementia Together Wirral - provides a welcoming social community for anyone affected by memory issues or dementia, with activities and events across Wirral.
• WIRED - supports carers of people living with dementia, offering practical help and emotional support.
• Wirral Carers Alliance - supports unpaid carers with advice, training, peer support and wellbeing services.
• Wirral InfoBank- an online directory bringing together local dementia services, support groups, dementia cafés and community activities.