The countdown to Christmas is officially on, which means mistletoe, mulled wine and as many mince pies as you can muster. But the festive season can also be a difficult time for families affected by dementia.
Christmas traditions can stir up painful memories, while family members may feel the shock of visiting a loved one whose dementia has progressed. That’s why we need your help to provide vital support this December.
Whether you’re able to give your time, money or help us to raise awareness, here are some fun and easy ways you can help.
We wanted to share the alzheimers.org.uk Post on how you can help them this Christmas, https://blog.alzheimers.org.uk/inside-the-society/support-alzheimers-society-8-xmas-ideas/
We at Keily Legal & Wealth hope you can help them out and if you want me help then contact us on www.Kandcoestateplanning.com especially if you are in Essex, Billericay, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Harlow, Southend, Basildon, Ingatestone, Shenfield, Wickford, then see what you can do to help this Christmas and makes it a special one for those dealing with #Dementia
1. Become a Dementia Friend
Join over 2 million people who have become Dementia Friends and help transform how the nation thinks, acts and talks about dementia. It takes only five minutes to join and you’ll learn more about dementia and how you can help those affected. Your support helps to reduce stigma, challenge misconceptions and create communities in which people with dementia feel included and understood. Still need convincing? Here are 6 more great reasons to become a Dementia Friend.
2. Donate to our Xmas appeal
Christmas is great for bringing families together, but for those affected by dementia it can also be a challenging time. Last year we received over 3,600 desperate calls from families like Joshua’s over the Christmas period. Will you help more families like Joshua’s by giving a gift of £3 a month today?
3. Sing-along to your favourite carols
Oh come all ye faithful, and mark the start of the festive season at one of our magical Carols at Christmas concerts! There are 24 concerts across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, so find your nearest concert and buy tickets today.
4. Play our Big Win Weekly Lottery to beat dementia
Not only is Alzheimer’s Society’s Weekly Lottery a great way to support people living with dementia, you could win some amazing cash prizes too!
It’s only £1/week to enter, and every week there are 77 cash prizes up for grabs worth over £1,000! And that’s not all – four times a year you’ll be in with a chance to win £8,000 in our Big Win Super Draws. So it really is a win-win situation.
5. Christmas shop with us
Get all your Christmas shopping done on our online shop. Whether you’re looking for cards, decorations to jazz up the tree or wrapping, we have something for you. You can also find the perfect gifts for your family and friends and products to make life easier for people living with dementia. 100% of our profits go straight back into our work, supporting people affected by dementia and ultimately finding a cure.
6. Join London’s largest Santa run
We’ll be getting in the festive mood this Sunday at the Do it for Charity Santa Run. This fantastically festive event has something for everyone, from free costumes to Santa’s Grotto and a children’s run. Santas can run, jog or walk the 5k or 10k, and we’ll be there to give you a big Christmassy cheer and offer refreshments. You can register on the day, so it’s not too late to come along and kick start your Christmas!
7. Give something different this Christmas…your time!
Looking to give a different kind of Christmas gift? Help us reduce social isolation and loneliness this December by becoming a Side by Side volunteer. Side by Side volunteers are matched with people with dementia to enable them to get out and about and keep doing the things they love. From joining a local club, to going for coffee or a stroll in the park, we want people with dementia to live the lives they want and deserve. As a Side by Side volunteer, you can make this possible. Not for you? There are many other exciting ways in which you can give your time, so why not see how you can get involved.
8. Express yoursElf on Elf Day or Elf Walks
Ready to unleash your inner elf? December 8 is officially Elf Day, so it’s time to pop on a pointy hat and embrace all things red and green in support of people affected by dementia. Whether you go full elf or bake some elfy treats for your colleagues, there’s no limit to the fun you can have. Sign up for your free fundraising kit today and get inspired. But that’s not all. This year we’re also organising our first ever Elf Walks in London, Birmingham and Newcastle. We’re hoping to raise life-changing funds for people affected by dementia, so pull on your elf boots and unite with us.
Looking for support this Christmas?
Our helpline is open 7 days a week, offering information, advice and support. Call 0300 222 11 22.
Visit our online community Talking Point, where you can read and share experiences from other people affected by dementia.