Dementia Awareness Week

In the UK there are over 850,000 people with dementia, with one in 14 people over the age of 65 having the syndrome and 1 in 6 people over the age of 80. An increase in average life span means these stats are only likely to increase. It is estimated by 2025 that there will be more than 1 million people living with dementia.

This is why there are numerous charities that raise money throughout the year to help get one step closer to finding a cure or more treatment for the illness. If you are arranging a charity fundraiser for a dementia charity, why not download Collctiv? People can simply scan a QR code or click on a link and give to a great cause in a matter of seconds.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline in brain functioning. There are many different causes and types of dementia. Some of the symptoms of dementia include problems with memory loss, mental sharpness, trouble speaking, mood, and difficulties doing daily activities.

The different types of dementia include mixed dementia which is a combination of more than one type, Alzheimers disease, vascular dementia, dementia with lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia.

There are currently no cures for dementia, however, an early diagnosis means the process can be slowed down and sufferers can get help preparing for the future.

Ways that you can help prevent dementia include getting plenty of exercise, eating healthy foods, staying mentally alert, and managing health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Dementia Awareness Week 2023

Dementia awareness week begins on May 15th. It usually takes place in the third week of May and is organised by the Alzheimers Society. Dementia is not just something that develops in those over 65, some people get it in their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. The whole point of dementia awareness week is about supporting people with dementia as well as their friends and family by making the UK a dementia-friendly place so that more people are aware of the illness, removing the taboo around it.

Blue is the official colour associated with dementia awareness week, with many people wearing a blue flower badge. The flower is a forget-me-not which represents remembrance and is long associated with dementia.

There are a wide variety of dementia charities in the UK such as Dementia UK, The Alzheimers Society, Alzheimer's Research UK, The Lewy Body Society, Age UK, RICE, Contended Dementia Trust, and the Scottish Dementia Working group.

How can I support Dementia Awareness Week?

Join the campaign with the Alzheimers society - the more people who join means the more people who can influence decision-makers across the UK into finding a cure and providing more support to dementia as a priority.

Volunteer - They have numerous volunteer opportunities on their charity websites which include assisting with the research network, helping out at an event, companion calls and helping out in the charity's offices.

Join an event - Each charity holds various events throughout the year up and down the country. These include running, memory walks, trekking, sky diving, virtual events, cycling, and swimming to name a few.

Collecting Money for A Dementia Charity

When organising a charity fundraising event, one of the main things is ensuring the process for people donating is as quick and easy as possible. If the process is long-winded and complex, fewer people are likely to donate.

Rather than shaking a bucket for loose change that people hardly carry anymore, or asking people to stand there for 5 minutes whilst they fumble around with a card reader with intermittent internet access, how about an alternative? A very easy way of creating a fundraising pot that is separate from your bank account where it is clear to see what people have donated. It takes only a few seconds for people to donate by simply sharing the payment link or printing out lots of QR codes which when scanned will take people straight to the donation page. They simply tap and pay and they are done. No banking, searching for loose change, or having to download or sign up for anything. No friction or blockers, just you raising lots of money for charity!

Fundraising ideas

Challenge seekers - take on a challenge such as a bike ride, trek, swim, or skydive.

Bold and brave - why not dye your hair, shave your head, do a sponsored wax, or cut your hair?

Party planners - pizza parties, cheese and wine night, masked ball, old school disco

Strong willpower - give up tv, alcohol, cigarettes, or social media

Undecided? Visit the Alzheimers website for lots of ideas including party themes, work fundraisers, giving up something for a certain amount of time and fundraisers to plan with friends.

Visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved for hundreds of ideas and tips for organizing the perfect fundraiser

Dementia Friends

The dementia friends program is the biggest initiative ever to change people's perceptions of dementia. Their aims are to transform how the nation acts, talks, and thinks about the condition. Every action counts whether it is visiting someone you know living with dementia or just telling friends about the program. People can attend information sessions that are held across the country, become an ambassador and be trained to help run the dementia information sessions or get your organisation involved sign your whole workplace up, no matter how big or small.

Dementia Talking Point

The dementia talking point is the Alzheimers charity online community. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with dementia it is a place where you can share your experiences with other people and listen to other people's experiences. It is a great place for people who need support and advice and for people who want to learn more about dementia. It is open 24 hours and it is free.

Dementia Care Homes

Once dementia has progressed to a certain stage where 24-hour care is needed then it may be time to think about a specialised dementia care home. Here you will find highly trained staff who are able to tailor the care they give to meet the unique needs of each individual.

The statistics of dementia and how many people it affects means that now, more than ever, people need to raise awareness of dementia and raise money to continue the search for a cure for the disease.

Download Collctiv and Start Fundraising Today!

Organisers bring people together

Since 2019 Collctiv has helped over half a million people from 97 countries come together by making it simple for organisers to collect money from groups of people. Whether it’s a charity fair, fundraising party, or sponsored walk - download our free app today and start bringing people together.