• More than 100 people attended a Dementia Symposium at Liverpool Town Hall today
• Mayor Steve Rotheram reaffirmed the 10 dementia friendly pledges councils had agreed in 2018
• Liverpool City Region was the first Combined Authority in the country to be awarded Dementia Friendly Community status in 2022

Mayor Steve Rotheram has reaffirmed Liverpool City Region’s ongoing commitment to be ‘the most dementia-friendly place possible’ at a special symposium to mark Dementia Action Week held at Liverpool Town Hall today. (Wednesday 21 May 2025).

More than a hundred people attended the event where representatives from the city region’s six Local Authorities gathered to share best practice, raise awareness and listen to the stories of those dealing with real-life situations.

Delegates discussed the next steps forward in the drive to make sure people experiencing dementia their friends, family and carers are supported, respected and included in their neighbourhoods and communities as local organisations continue to work collaboratively to improve dementia services.

Delegates at the Dementia Symposium

This commitment on behalf of people living with dementia has been demonstrated through 10 pledges which the Mayor and all six council leaders signed up to in 2018, and since then, have worked together through the LCR Dementia Advisory Group to enhance services in the region.

Following this, Liverpool City Region became the first Combined Authority in the country to be awarded Dementia Friendly Community status by the Alzheimer’s Society in 2022.

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said:

“The measure of any decent society is how it treats its most vulnerable citizens, especially those living with dementia. It’s a condition that doesn’t discriminate and one that requires an inclusive and compassionate response.

“Since I was elected, we’ve taken bold steps to support residents whose lives have been affected by dementia – but we recognise this journey is far from over. Working together, we can design services, shape policy, and build environments where people with dementia can live with dignity, community and hope.”

There are nearly 19,000 people living with dementia in the Liverpool City Region and many other residents caring for a family member. Only a third of people in the UK have received a formal diagnosis.

Event Organiser Jack Coutts, Chair of Dementia Liverpool said:

“Dementia Action Week has offered us the perfect opportunity to get together with representatives from all six of our Local Authority areas. By working collaboratively as a whole city region with the support of the Mayor and using our Dementia Friendly Community status, we can address challenges and improve services for people with dementia.

One in three people still don’t have a diagnosis, something which is vital for them to access the care, treatment and support they need. Our status can help others.”

Chair of Dementia Liverpool Jack Coutts

Dementia affects memory, problem-solving, language, and behaviour—sometimes all at once. With over 100 types of dementia, symptoms often start small but worsen over time.

Cecilia Toole is the Founder of Sight and Mind CIC in Knowsley, an organisation which supports people living with dementia and provides assistance and training for families and carers. Speaking at today’s event. She said:

“Events such as today are vitally important with one of the most crucial aspects being the action we take – especially when it comes to looking to the future.

“I would like to see us continue to move forward from today’s event to support people living with dementia and their carers across the city region.”

Michelle King, Chief Executive and Founder of the Active Minds Day Centre and Social Club was a delegate at the event. She said:

“It was a very positive morning and a great opportunity to hear not only what partners in the city region have achieved but also how we, as one of the organisations based in the city region supporting people with dementia and their families, can work collaboratively with them going forward.

“Seeing the impact dementia has on a daily basis, I welcome the approach of not treating people with dementia as ‘sufferers’ or ‘victims’ rather offering a sense of purpose, engagement and belonging.”

The Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Action Week runs from Monday 19 to Friday 23 May 2025. This year’s campaign drives home the importance of early diagnosis, showcases activities for people living with dementia, and inspires everyone to build more dementia-friendly communities.

Anyone worried about themself, or someone close to them, is advised to check their symptoms today. Visit alzheimers.org.uk/checklist or call Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.