Age UK Isle of Wight is marking Dementia Action Week by highlighting the free support available locally for people affected by dementia or memory challenges, as well as their families and carers.
As part of Dementia Action Week, which runs nationally from 18th to 24th May 2026, the local charity is putting a focus on its free Older Person’s Mental Health and Dementia Care Navigation service, Dementia Friendly Chatty Brews, local support drop-ins and community activities across the Island.
The need for this support is clear, with Age UK Isle of Wight’s Older Person’s Mental Health and Dementia Care Navigators receiving 675 new referrals between March 2025 and March 2026.
On Monday, Age UK Isle of Wight held its first Dementia Crafty Chatty Brew at Newport and Carisbrooke Parish Centre. What started as an idea in the corridor became a relaxed and meaningful afternoon for a small group of local people supported by the charity’s Older Person’s Mental Health and Dementia Care Navigators.
During the session, people affected by dementia or memory challenges and our staff came together to make Christmas decorations, which will be painted at a future dementia-friendly craft session before being displayed on Age UK Isle of Wight’s Christmas tree at the Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival in December.
The afternoon was filled with chatting, laughter and creativity, offering a friendly space for people to spend time together and enjoy a shared activity.
Age UK Isle of Wight’s free Older Person’s Mental Health and Dementia Care Navigation service works with people with a dementia diagnosis or memory challenges to help promote confidence, wellbeing and independence. Navigators can visit people and their family members at home or somewhere convenient, taking time to listen to what matters to them and helping them navigate health, social care and memory services.
The service can provide emotional support during challenging times, help people access social and community activities, support families and carers, signpost to relevant services, and work alongside Adult Social Care and the Memory Service where required.
A Dementia Care Navigator at Age UK Isle of Wight said:
“Working as a navigator, I see every day how transformative it is when people realise they don’t have to face dementia alone.
“The biggest difference we make is giving people confidence helping them feel informed, supported, and understood.
“It’s a privilege to walk alongside families at such a vulnerable time and help them find hope, stability, and practical solutions.”
Alongside its navigation service, Age UK Isle of Wight also runs Dementia Friendly Chatty Brews and support drop-ins, offering opportunities for conversation, activities and guidance in community settings.
The next Dementia Friendly Chatty Brew is at the Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum on the 10th of June 14:00 – 16:00
The charity currently also holds regular Dementia Care Navigation drop-ins every Friday, including Pop into Parklands from 11:00 to 13:00, and at Mountbatten’s John Cheverton Centre from 13:00 to 15:00. No appointment is needed.
Maria Bunce Age UK Isle of Wight Chief Officer, said:
“Dementia Action Week is an important opportunity to remind people across the Island that support is available locally.
“Whether someone is living with dementia, experiencing memory challenges, or supporting a loved one, they should not feel they have to work everything out alone. Our Dementia Care Navigators, Chatty Brews and local drop-ins are all about helping people feel informed, connected and supported.”
Anyone who would like to find out more about Age UK Isle of Wight’s free Older Person’s Mental Health and Dementia Care Navigation service can call 01983 525282 or email [email protected]
