About Dementia Friends

What is a Dementia Friend?

Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends initiative is all about increasing people’s understanding of dementia and inspiring everyone to make a difference for people affected by the condition in their communities. Whether you attend a face-to-face or virtual Dementia Friends Session or watch our short online video, Dementia Friends is about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help.

A Dementia Friend is somebody that learns more about dementia, how it can affect someone and the small ways they can make a difference in their communities. Many people living with dementia often feel isolated and left out because dementia is still so misunderstood. This lack of understanding can make it harder for people with the condition to stay independent and feel connected to their communities. Dementia Friends help to change that by using their awareness to do simple, everyday things that matter—helping people with dementia live their lives to the fullest.

What does a Dementia Friend do?

Once you’re equipped with understanding, what you do as a Dementia Friend doesn’t have to be time consuming. Simple things like showing patience and understanding can mean the world. Visiting someone you know living with the condition or someone who’s caring for a loved one can too. Dementia Friends also show their support by taking part in fundraising, volunteering and campaigning for Alzheimer’s Society or wearing their Dementia Friends badge to raise awareness.

Who can be a Dementia Friend?

Everybody who lives in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Guernsey and Isle of Man can become a Dementia Friend. If you are under 16 years old, you won’t be able to become a Dementia Friend via our website but please speak to your parent/carer, teacher or youth group leader about organising a Dementia Friends Session.

How can I join?

It's easy to become a Dementia Friend. Our volunteer Dementia Friends Ambassadors run face-to-face and virtual Dementia Friends sessions that you can book on to attend. Or you can watch our short online video to join. We believe it will take a society to beat dementia, and you can play your part by becoming a Dementia Friend today.

Join today

Stories from our Dementia Friends

Knowledge is power, and we could all do with finding out a bit more about dementia to steer away from out-of-date stigmas.

Being a Dementia Friend made me more aware of how much people living with dementia can struggle within society. Patience is key.

I found having even a little knowledge on dementia and ways to support dad made it a whole lot easier.

I valued learning that a person with dementia may not remember your actions but will remember how it made them feel. When I'm feeling a loss of hope, I will remember this.