Council marks Dementia Action Week 2026
Monday 18 May 2026
Bridgend County Borough Council will be supporting the Alzheimer Society’s Dementia Action Week, with a series of events happening across the county borough. Dementia Action Week takes place between the 18 and 24 May this year, with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of an early diagnosis for people affected by dementia, alongside educating on the most common symptoms associated with dementia.
One in three people in the UK who live with dementia do not have a diagnosis, while 95 per cent of people affected by dementia say there are benefits to getting a diagnosis. In recognition of how dementia affects people across the county borough, several organisations will be holding a range of dementia friendly activities and information spots for you or a loved one to access.
On Monday 18 and Friday 22 May, the main Civic Office building on Angel Street will be lit up blue to raise awareness. Maesteg Town Hall will also be lit up blue on Wednesday 20 May.
Halo Leisure Centres will be running their ‘Feel Good for Life’ programme, designed to give people living with dementia, loneliness or depression, along with their carers, the chance to socialise and be active. They have a packed programme of activities planned across the county borough including:
- Monday 18 May at Ogmore Life Centre, there will be games including boccia, curling, followed by socialising.
- Wednesday 20 May at Bridgend Life Centre, there will be Dementia friendly swimming, followed by social activities with the Awen Library team.
- Thursday 21 May, there will be an online session, where active and fun activities will take place from the comfort of your own home.
- Friday 22 May at North Cornelly Community Centre, there will be games including boccia, curling, followed by socialising.
Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO), also have sessions planned during the week, including:
- Monday 18 May, there will be an Arts & Crafts session at The Bridge in Bridgend
- Thursday 21 May, a Wellbeing Walk will be taking place at Bryngarw County Park for people living with dementia and those supporting the cause.
Mental Health Matters (MHM) will be hosting activities including:
- Monday 18 May, there will be a Dementia Action Week Tea Party at the MHM Dementia Hub in Bridgend.
- Tuesday 19 May, Pyle Dementia Hub will be hosting activities and peer support, along with MHM’s Dementia Hub in Bridgend hosting an Art Session from 2pm to 4pm.
- Wednesday 20 May, a Caring Community Café will be taking place at MHM Wales in Quarella Road, along with Maesteg Dementia Hub hosting activities and peer support at Fairfield Centre.
- Thursday 21 May, Porthcawl Dementia Hub will be hosting activities and peer support at the YMCA in John Street, while Sarn Dementia Hub will be offering the same at Sarn Lifelong Centre.
- Friday 22 May, the MHM team will be hosting a Dementia Wellbeing Walk at Newbridge Fields, with the meeting point outside the Halo Bridgend Life Centre. In the afternoon, Music for the Mind will be taking place at the MHM Dementia Hub in Nolton Street.
Other events being held across the county borough include a Sporting Memories event at Porthcawl RFC on Monday 18 May, a Cuppa and a Chat at Pencoed Library on Tuesday 19 May, a special performance at Bridgend Library from Penybont Primary School Choir on Wednesday 20 May and a Dementia-friendly screening of Mamma Mia! At Maesteg Town Hall on Thursday 21 May. There will also be a Feed Good Café being run at the Len Evans Centres on Thursday 21 May.
Awen Libraries have a range of books available - the ‘Reading Well’ for dementia booklist from The Reading Agency featuring titles recommended by a panel of people affected by dementia, leading health professionals and library staff. The collection has been built to help people understand more about dementia and includes books that provide information and advice; there are also personal stories and children’s fiction. For further information on the scheme, visit: https://readingagency.org.uk/get-reading/our-programmes-and-campaigns/reading-well/
And finally, Alzheimer's Society Cymru have national and local resources available for people living with dementia, their carers, and professionals. For more information, visit: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-action-week
“It is truly inspiring to witness the collaboration of so many individuals and organisations in promoting greater awareness about dementia and showcasing the extensive support resources available. My father sadly passed away last month after a battle with Alzheimer’s and the support that we have had from the health staff has been nothing short of amazing. These events are so important for people around the county borough to show that they are not alone and that there is support available for you and your loved one. Identifying dementia early can significantly impact the lives of those affected. One of the primary goals of this week-long series of events and activities is to help individuals identify some of the most common symptoms and learn how they can seek additional support and guidance.”
