Dementia Action Week: Two Ashton events for carers and those living with dementia

Community fundraiser Angela Wild will mark Dementia Action Week (May 13 - 19) with two Ashton events.

Comedian and comedy songwriter Dom Collins will be hosting a fun-filled "Comedy n Covers Show" at Guide Bridge Conservative Club on Sunday 12 May.

The event will be held between 1pm and 3pm and will include excerpts from his one-man show.

The following day, Monday 13 May, the annual "Music & Memories" event will take place at Albion Church on Stamford Street East in Ashton. From 12:45pm to 3pm, attendees will be invited join in singalongs with a live choir with the aim of bringing people together and supporting the week of action.

Last year's Music & Memories event

Tickets for both of the events cost £5 and can be purchased from Angie on 07980453032.

Dementia Action Week is a national event that sees the UK public taking action to improve the lives of people affected by dementia. In 2024, the week will take place between May 13 and 19.

Angie was inspired to work for Alzheimer's Society after losing two relatives to dementia.

She has urged everyone in the Greater Manchester area to join her in wearing a Forget Me Not badge during the month of May, in support of the Alzheimer's Society's appeal.

Angie’s nan, Ester, and one of her aunts, Pat, both had dementia in the last years of their lives. Her other aunt, Edith, is also currently living with dementia and is a resident of a local care home.

As well as organising the fundraising event ‘Music & Memories’, Angie has demonstrated her support for people with dementia in a more permanent way, by having a forget-me-not flower tattooed on her arm.

“I captured a lovely picture of my mum and auntie holding hands while they were reminiscing about the good old days, when they were little girls, and it inspired me to do something to remember our family bonds. I think my new tattoo is stunning and a great way to start up conversations with people about dementia."

"I am also supporting the Forget Me Not Appeal bucket collections at my local Morrison’s store in Dukinfield, Tameside, and have signed up and pledged to sell 100 badges. Dementia is so very close to my heart and it’s an honour to do everything I can to support the Forget Me Not Appeal.”

The Alzheimer’s Society’s Forget Me Not Appeal, running throughout May, aims to not only raise vital funds for the charity, but to send a message to everyone affected by dementia that they have not been forgotten.

There are a variety of ways to get involved:

• Buy and wear a Forget Me Not Badge 
• Sign up for a collection at https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/form/collect-forget-me-not 
• Become a Dementia Friend and learn how to help people living with dementia in your community
• Leave a message on the Azheimer's Society's dedication page in honour of a loved one. Or share your memories on your own social media feeds using the hashtag #ForgetMeNotAppeal 

As well as fundraising during the month, Alzheimer’s Society will also lead Dementia Action Week, when it will focus on diagnosis and encourage people experiencing dementia symptoms to seek help.

To find out more and to get involved in the Alzheimer’s Society Forget Me Not Appeal, visit alzheimers.org.uk/forgetmenot

Last year's Music & Memories event