Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are one of the biggest health and social challenges in the UK. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, one in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia. By 2050, the number of people living with dementia is expected to nearly triple. It can be a devastating diagnosis not only for an individual but for everyone involved in supporting and caring for those with the condition. And, unfortunately, many people remain undiagnosed and battle the condition alone. As the Alzheimer’s Society points out, we must work to “raise awareness around, educate, encourage support of, and demystify dementia.”
World Alzheimer’s Month is a global opportunity to come together every September to tackle the challenges we face. In the UK, we’re inspired by the creative and effective ways our local and leading charities collectively spread awareness, raise critical funds, and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
In this post, we highlight and applaud the efforts from four UK charities during World Alzheimer’s Month. You might consider supporting these charities, partnering with them on future collaborations, or applying some of their inspirational efforts in your own upcoming fundraising events and campaigns.
Alzheimer’s Society
The Alzheimer’s Society is made up of “the UK’s largest collective force of people” including people with dementia, carers, trusted experts, campaigners, researchers, and clinicians. For more than 40 years, the charity has funded dementia research—it’s currently backing over 600 research projects. The Alzheimer’s Society amplifies important voices and holds decision-makers accountable to prioritise dementia. It also offers support services to help people living with dementia enjoy more fulfilled lives.
For a creative campaign, look no further than Skydive Day! Every September, the Alzheimer’s Society hosts a skydive at multiple airfields across the UK. Supporters pay a nominal fee to register for a tandem jump in support of the charity and receive a welcome pack to help them meet the £430 minimum fundraising target. (The 2023 jumps are currently full, but the September 2024 dates will be released soon.) If jumping out of a plane isn’t your thing, you can also volunteer at a local Memory Walk, organise a fundraising event, or make a donation.
Dementia UK
Dementia UK is comprised of specialty dementia nurses, known as Admiral Nurses, who provide free support to anyone affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Admiral Nurses draw from their expertise to offer customised resources for individuals and their families and reduce the fear and confusion that accompanies a diagnosis. This practical and powerful support ranges from sharing caring tips to helping families plan for the future to being a compassionate listener.
Dementia UK invites supporters to register for races, including the Birmingham Running Festival Half Marathon and the London Landmarks Half Marathon (in 2024). When you join Team Dementia UK, you get dedicated fundraising support, training plans, and branded merchandise, including a running vest for race day. Or, consider purchasing special fundraising merchandise like a Dementia UK t-shirt. Your purchase supports the critical work of the Admiral Nurses and it helps spread awareness every time you wear it. (There’s even Dementia UK bandanas for dogs!)
Alzheimer’s Research UK
Alzheimer’s Research UK is a leading dementia research charity with a clear and critical focus: it stands for a cure. Backed by scientists and supporters, the charity works to challenge the way we think about dementia and bring about breakthroughs that will change lives. It unites “big thinkers” and funds the innovation and research that will deliver a cure. Since 1998, Alzheimer’s Research has invested in more than 1,000 projects.
Alzheimer’s Research UK has created powerful campaigns to change the conversation around dementia and support critical research. For example, the Share the Orange campaign shines light on the condition with a sobering statistic: the damage from Alzheimer’s can lead to a brain weighing about the weight of an orange. Big names like Bryan Cranston and Samuel L. Jackson have supported the Share the Orange campaign. This month, you can also support a range of fundraising campaigns, like the family- and dog-friendly Edinburgh Kiltwalk on 17 September or even an 18-mile ARUK Explorer hike on the mighty Jurassic Coast on 16 September.
Age UK
The vision of Age UK is a world where everyone loves later life. The charity works at a local, national, and international level to provide support, companionship, and advice to millions of people. The Age UK Network connects hundreds of independent charities and smaller organisations to work toward shared goals and greater impact. Age UK offers practical information and advice for people, like finding and arranging care or avoiding scams that target older people. Over just the last year, Age UK has answered nearly 205,000 phone calls and helped older people realise approximately £162 million in unclaimed benefits.
Next month, you can support Age UK by signing up for the Leeds Abbey Dash 10K on 9 October. It’s ideal for runners of all levels, and there’s also a Junior 2K option. Participants get a medal, finish line goodies, and official chip timing. Another fun option is to play the Age UK weekly lottery and raffle. For just £1 a week, you can enter for a chance to win over 5,000 fabulous prizes—and be entered into the Quarterly Superdraw with a chance to win up to £25,000!
Well, we’re inspired! Together, these four charities are making a difference during World Alzheimer’s Month by raising awareness, providing direct support, and advocating for those affected by the condition. We can—and must—do our part to support these initiatives. Collectively, we can foster greater compassion and understanding for these individuals and families. At Rocket Charities, we encourage you to get involved with one of the many fundraising opportunities we’ve highlighted above. And remember, these initiatives don’t stop when World Alzheimer’s Month ends. Get involved every day to make a difference! For more ideas and inspiration, please get in touch with our team today.