The number of Merton residents living with dementia is expected to rise by more than half by 2040, making it even more important that we know about dementia awareness, diagnosis and what support and services are available in the borough.   

Merton’s Dementia Action Alliance is hosting a number of events around the borough with activities including knitting, walking, reminiscing and dementia awareness training. Alongside our ambition to be London’s Borough of Sport, we are focusing on the importance of physical activity to support the health and quality of life of people living with dementia.    

Supported by the Alzheimer’s Society and Sport England, a national initiative called “Feel Good Folders” have been developed to encourage older people with dementia and their carers and families to be more physically active.  We have 800 folders already given to partners and another 800 in the next phase of the project.  

Exercise for people living with dementia has been shown to support physical, mental and emotional health, helping people to live independently for longer and enjoy their day-to-day activities.   

If you’d like a Feel Good Folder, you can pick one up at any of the Merton libraries or the Merton Memory Hub, Canons Leisure Centre, Age UK or Wimbledon Guild.  

If you need advice, information or support around dementia then please contact Merton’s Community Dementia service at merton@alzheimers.org.uk, or by visiting Dementia services | Merton Council. There are also a number of events coming up: Event Highlights | Events | Merton Libraries 

More information on the national Feel Good Folder initiative is available at Be active and Feel Good with dementia | Alzheimer’s Society (alzheimers.org.uk).