ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY will mark its 40th anniversary this year, celebrating our story so far and our on-going commitment to stopping dementia in its tracks.

I’d like to thank everyone who united against dementia last year by fundraising, campaigning and volunteering, helping us challenge perceptions, fund research and improve and provide care and support.

There are many highlights from 2018, including memory walks in South Shields and Newcastle in October that saw more than 5,000 step out to raise money and increase awareness of dementia, and the launch of Dementia Friendly Durham during Dementia Action Week in May.

Last year, Alzheimer’s Society announced that a staggering two and a half million people in the UK have become a Dementia Friend.

This initiative asks people to take one small action to help people with dementia feel supported and able to live well in their communities.

With an estimated 35,000 people living with dementia in the North-East, including more than 8,000 in County Durham and Darlington, the need to unite in the fight against the condition has never been more pressing.

There are so many ways people can get involved in 2019 and what better time to take on a new challenge. From becoming a volunteer – either for our Side by Side service or at this year’s Virgin Money London Marathon where we are Charity of the Year – to fundraising, campaigning to Fix Dementia Care or signing up to join dementia research.

Whether you give an hour, a day or more, please visit alzheimers.org.uk/getinvolved to find out how you can unite against dementia.

Danielle Cooper, Area Manager, Alzheimer’s Society, Newcastle