Minehead Dementia Action

24/06/2026

Today, as part of Small Charity Week, we’re joining a new Somerset-wide campaign, , led by Spark Somerset, to highlight what life in our communities would look like without voluntary and charity organisations like ours.

Across Somerset, many organisations are working with limited funding, yet quietly providing vital support that helps people stay connected, supported, and well.

At Minehead Dementia Action, our focus is on people living with dementia, those waiting for a diagnosis, and those who care for them. We are here so that no one feels they have to face that journey alone. Through our activities and groups, we help people stay part of their community, maintain social connections, and continue to enjoy meaningful, fun moments together.

A diagnosis doesn’t mean life stops. With the right support, connection and understanding, people can still share laughter, friendship, and new experiences 💙

09/06/2026

📣We'll be at the Stronger Community Services in Porlock Vale event this Friday, 12th June, at Porlock Village Hall from 10.30am to 4.00pm.

Come along and say hello, find out more about Minehead Dementia Action, and discover the support, activities and services available across our local community. We'd love to meet you and chat about how we can help people living with dementia, their families and carers.

We look forward to seeing you there! 💙

07/06/2026

As comes to a close, we want to give a special shout-out to our amazing volunteers.

We simply couldn't run our regular activities and support local people living with dementia and their carers without your time, kindness and dedication.

We thank you throughout the year, but this week is a chance to celebrate everything you do - we truly appreciate every one of you. 💙

29/05/2026

Although the Minehead Co-op store will sadly be closing next month, you can still support Minehead Dementia Action through the Co-op Local Community Fund wherever you shop 🛍

If you’re a Co-op member, please consider choosing us as your local cause if you haven't already. Every vote makes a real difference to our small local charity and helps us continue supporting people living with dementia and their carers in our community.

You can still use your membership benefits at nearby Co-op stores including Alcombe, Williton and Watchet - and you can select Minehead Dementia Action as your cause from anywhere.

Choose us today:
• In the Co-op app 📱
• Online via your Co-op membership account
• Or by calling the Membership Helpline on 0800 0234708

Thank you for supporting local people affected by dementia 💙

27/05/2026

When I wander
don’t tell me to come and sit down.
Wander with me.
It may be because I am hungry, thirsty, need the toilet.
Or maybe I just need to stretch my legs.

​When I call for my mother
(even though I’m ninety!)
don’t tell me she has died.
Reassure me, cuddle me, ask me about her.
It may be that I am looking for the security
that my mother once gave me.

​When I shout out
please don’t ask me to be quiet…or walk by.
I am trying to tell you something,
but have difficulty in telling you what.
Be patient. Try to find out.
I may be in pain.

​When I become agitated or appear angry,
please don’t reach for the drugs first.
I am trying to tell you something.
It may be too hot, too bright, too noisy.
Or maybe it’s because I miss my loved ones.
Try to find out first.

​When I don’t eat my dinner or drink my tea
it may be because I’ve forgotten how to.
Show me what to do, remind me.
It may be that I just need to hold my knife and fork
I may know what to do then.

​When I push you away
while you’re trying to help me wash or get dressed,
maybe it’s because I have forgotten what you have said.
Keep telling me what you are doing
over and over and over.
Maybe others will think
you’re the one that needs the help!

​With all my thoughts and maybes,
perhaps it will be you
who reaches my thoughts,
understands my fears,
and will make me feel safe.
Maybe it will be you
who I need to thank.
If only I knew how.
Norman McNamara

Dementia Awareness Week 19th to 25th May

24/05/2026

As Dementia Action Week comes to a close, we would like to thank everyone who has supported, attended events, shared posts, and helped raise awareness this week 💙

To finish the week, why not take a few minutes to try this fun brain health picture puzzle from Alzheimer’s Research UK? A simple activity to get you thinking while also highlighting the importance of looking after our brain health.

Can you spot the hidden items? 👀

https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/brain-health-check-in/picture-puzzle/

Thank you again for helping us spread awareness, encourage understanding, and support people living with dementia and their carers in our community.

Can you find the 40 British railway station names hidden in our puzzle? It's the perfect way to use pockets of free time, such as the daily commute, and challenge your brain on the go.

22/05/2026

Good communication can change with Dementia. Sometimes small things like patience, eye contact, a calm voice, and taking time to listen can help a person feel understood and included.

The NHS has some really helpful advice and tips for families, friends and carers here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/living-with-dementia/communication/

Advice on how to encourage communication with people with dementia, including body language and physical contact, and active listening.

21/05/2026

Age UK Somerset are developing a new support project - if you are living with Dementia or caring/supporting someone with Dementia and could spare some time to help shape the support, please see below.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸, 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘁. 💬

If you or someone you care for is affected by dementia, we want to hear from you.

We know there are real challenges around:
• Feeling isolated
• Accessing local groups
• Transport, especially in rural areas

If you are living with dementia, caring for someone, or supporting someone in your community, please take a few minutes to share your experience. Your voice will directly help shape future services.

📝 Please take the survey here ➡️ https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=K3kwDuCN0kSZf6RRjVXXbqvDliwsS6lJm8-38hhsFcVURFhGSE5aT0FaVVBPVzRFRVNPSDEyN0xHNy4u

Please share this with others who may want to have their say 💙

19/05/2026

Have you taken a look at our events page for yet?

Tomorrow we have the following:🥁📣

Barbara be at the Community Bookshop 10am-1pm providing information on services available.

Amble not Ramble will be starting at North Hill Car Park - see more details about our walking group on our website.

Della will be doing a fundraising walk from 2pm, see details and donate on the JustGiving Page shared on a previous post.

Check out the complete list of events at https://www.mineheadda.org.uk/dementia-action-week-2026 👇

Each May, communities across the UK come together to mark Dementia Action Week, a national campaign led by the Alzheimer’s Society that encourages everyone to act on dementia and support people affected by memory loss and dementia. This year, Dementia Action Week takes place from Monday 18th to Su...