Wirral comes together for Dementia Action Week

Residents across Wirral came together to learn more about dementia, show support for those affected, and take simple steps to make everyday life easier for thousands of local residents.

In Wirral, dementia affects many families. Around 5,300 people are currently living with the condition, and around 1 in 22 people aged over 65 are affected. This number is expected to grow in the coming years, making awareness and support more important than ever. 

As part of Dementia Action Week (18–24 May), activities took place across the borough to raise awareness, encourage understanding and connect people with support. The national campaign, led nationally by the Alzheimer’s Society, focuses on helping people recognise the signs of dementia and feel confident seeking help.

Throughout the week, residents, community groups and local businesses played an important role in helping to spread the message. Cafés, shops, banks, charity shops and community spaces supported the campaign by sharing information and starting conversations about dementia. Local community safety wardens also helped reach more neighbourhoods, raising awareness across the borough.

A key highlight was the dementia virtual tour bus, which visited Birkenhead on 19 May. The bus gave members of the public the chance to take part in a short, guided experience designed to show what everyday life can feel like for someone living with dementia.

Inside the bus, participants wore headphones, gloves and special glasses that restricted vision, while carrying out simple everyday tasks. These small changes helped recreate some of the challenges people with dementia may face, offering a powerful way to understand not just what dementia is, but how it can feel. The experience helped build empathy, confidence and understanding in a safe and supportive way.

Local partners Age UK Wirral, WIRED and Wirral Carers Alliance were also involved throughout the campaign, sharing advice, information and support with residents and council staff. Their work helps people affected by dementia, including carers, feel supported and know where to turn for help.

The week also saw visits from the Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Mary Jordan, and Deputy Leader, Councillor Julie McManus, who met with partners and helped highlight the importance of building a more dementia-friendly borough where people feel understood and included.

They were joined by Dave Bradburn, Director of Public Health, Sayyed Osman, Director of Adult Care and Health, and Simon Garner, Assistant Director of Adult Care and Health, who also attended during the week to support the activities and highlight the importance of raising awareness and improving support for people living with dementia across Wirral.

Dementia is not just about ageing. It is linked to a range of factors including health, lifestyle and social circumstances. As Wirral continues to grow and develop, there is a shared focus on making communities more welcoming and easier to navigate for everyone, including people living with dementia.

Support and advice

If you or someone you care about has concerns about memory or thinking, it’s important to speak to your GP.
You can also find help and support locally:

• 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.