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Dementia Action Week: Free Support, Help & Hope Across the UK
Written by
Sammi Leaver
Published on
May 19, 2025
Living with dementia, or supporting someone who is, can feel overwhelming, isolating and relentless. But you’re not alone. There’s more help out there than most people realise, and a lot of it is completely free.
So, in honour of Dementia Action Week, we’ve pulled together a big list of UK-wide charities, resources, and free support – from carer breaks to memory cafés, helplines, and practical tools you can use today.
Because every person living with dementia deserves dignity, care and connection. And every carer deserves support too.
What is Dementia Action Week?
Organised by Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia Action Week is about taking steps – big or small – to help improve the lives of people affected by dementia. That includes those living with it, their loved ones, carers, and local communities.
This year’s theme? Diagnosis. Getting one, understanding it, and not facing it alone.
Free Help & Support for People Living With Dementia
Alzheimer’s Society
The UK’s leading dementia charity – and a lifeline for many.
- Dementia Connect support line: 0333 150 3456
- Local dementia advisors, drop-ins & home visits
- Free downloadable resources (care guides, symptom checklists, legal help)
- Memory cafés & singing sessions around the UK
Use their postcode tool to find local services: alzheimers.org.uk
Age UK
Not just for older adults – Age UK has dedicated dementia support too:
- Befriending services (phone & in-person)
- Local dementia clubs and safe activity groups
- Free benefits advice to help cover care costs
- Home visits and care assessments (free in many areas)
Find your local branch here: ageuk.org.uk/services
Admiral Nurses (via Dementia UK)
Specialist dementia nurses offering one-to-one support for families.
- Free helpline for tailored advice: 0800 888 6678
- Email support for non-urgent help
- Emotional support for carers & family members
- Practical help with care planning, behaviours, communication issues
Ask your GP or social worker to refer you – or self-refer via dementiauk.org
Free Groups, Cafés & Community Spaces
Dementia-Friendly Memory Cafés
Run by local councils, churches or charities – and totally free.
- A calm, welcoming space to socialise, chat or join activities
- Often includes music therapy, crafts or gentle movement
- Open to those living with dementia AND their carers
- Find one near you by contacting your local Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK or GP surgery.
Re-engage: Call Companions & Tea Parties
Re-engage tackles loneliness for older and disabled adults, including people with dementia.
- Free regular calls from trained volunteers
- Free social tea parties in local communities
- Transport provided if needed – no cost to you
Local Libraries & Museums
Yes, really – many are getting involved.
- Free dementia-friendly reading groups or memory sessions
- Gentle sensory exhibits and craft groups
- ‘Relaxed’ performances for those with cognitive impairments
Search your local council’s site or call your library to ask what’s on.
Support for Carers – Free Help & Advice
Looking after someone with dementia can feel like a full-time job – without the pay, the breaks, or the backup. Here’s where to get free support as a carer:
Carers UK
- Free carers’ guide to dementia
- Local peer support groups (online & in-person)
- Help with benefits, respite options, and carer rights
- Free helpline: 0808 808 7777
carersuk.org
Local Carers Centres
Most UK regions have at least one – offering:
- Help with paperwork, forms & carers allowance
- Free well-being sessions, respite activities & workshops
- Emotional support or counselling
Find yours via: carers.org/local-support
Mobilise (For Busy Carers)
- Carer support via text, Zoom & email – no waiting lists
- Free coaching & community chats
- Tips on pacing, guilt, boundaries & care planning
- Worth a follow on socials for regular free advice
Free Money, Discounts & Entitlements
Dementia is classed as a disability under UK law – which means you or the person you care for may be entitled to financial support:
- Attendance Allowance (if over State Pension age)
- PIP (Personal Independence Payment)
- Council Tax Reduction (available in most councils)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disabled Persons Railcard – for you AND a companion
- Free prescriptions in England (if over 60 or with certain conditions)
- Discounts through Purpl
Get free support with applications from:
- Citizens Advice
- Carers UK
- Your local Age UK
You’re Doing Better Than You Think
Whether you’re living with dementia, caring for someone who is, or simply trying to understand more – you are not alone.
It’s okay to ask for help.
It’s okay to feel tired.
And it’s always okay to lean on the free support that’s out there.
Let’s make dementia support visible, accessible and free from shame.
