Dementia-friendly events and opportunities in Edinburgh and the Lothians

The Scottish Government, in partnership with COSLA, recently launched a new campaign to challenge the stigma surrounding dementia. The drive encourages people to continue doing the things they always did with friends or relatives diagnosed with dementia, highlighting that these everyday activities can help them stay well for longer. 

Staying connected to communities can also play a key role in helping people with dementia remain socially active and engaged. Across Scotland, there are numerous services, groups and activities designed to provide enjoyment and support.

For people in Edinburgh and the Lothians, opportunities and events include:

• Deepness Dementia-Friendly Arts Festival in Edinburgh – taking place from Monday 11 November to Thursday 14 November, the Dementia Arts Festival, will showcase the best of music, theatre, poetry and film, all produced by those diagnosed with dementia. For more information, visit: deepnessdementiaarts.co.uk/
• Museum Socials at the National Museum of Scotland – each month a different museum theme is explored through interactive activities, including curator talks and creative crafts. For more information, visit: nms.ac.uk/events/museum-socials
• The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Dementia Friendly Garden Social – monthly meetings in the purpose-built Garden of Tranquility with refreshments and activities provided. It’s an opportunity for guests to find out about how the garden works. For more information, visit: rbge.org.uk/whats-on/dementia-friendly-garden-social/57082
• Festival Theatre Edinburgh, Brew & Blether – a free monthly social gathering for people living with dementia and their friends and family to come together for tea, biscuits and a chat. For more information, visit: capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/all-shows/dementia-friendly-a-brew-and-blether/2072
• National Galleries Scotland, Gallery Socials – monthly sessions where attendees, led by artists, will have a chance to take part in a light-touch art activity and take a tour. In November, the event at the Portrait Gallery is a celebration of 40 years of Scotland’s Photography Collection. For more information, visit nationalgalleries.org/event/gallery-social-dementia-friendly-celebrating-40-years-of-scotlands-photography-collection
• Dementia-friendly East Lothian –a community organisation which supports social groups and activities for people living with dementia including care-partners, families and friends. They hold regular workshops, activities and trainings. For more information, visit dfel.org.uk/
• Singing For Health, Whitburn Bowling Club, West Lothian – fortnightly informal sing-a-long with refreshments as part of a partnership between Alzheimer Scotland and the Ageing Well project. For more information, visit: roseberycentre.org.uk/
• The Heart Dementia Meeting Centre, Newhaven – a weekly social club on a Wednesday at 10.30am, for people living with mild to moderate dementia including those newly diagnosed or curious about cognitive decline. An opportunity to get creative whilst speaking to like-minded people. For more information, visit: heartofnewhaven.co.uk/The-Heart-Dementia-Meeting-Centre.php

This is just a selection of the creative opportunities and activities available. For more ideas of things to do or places to visit, search dementia friendly at aliss.org (A Local Information System for Scotland).

Dementia affects an estimated 90,000 people in Scotland and 3,000 of whom are under the age of 65. Created in collaboration with a National Dementia Lived Experience Panel, the Rethink Dementia campaign emphasises the importance of maintaining relationships with those living with dementia.

Research has shown that making this effort to stay in contact with individuals and include them in social activities can help alleviate symptoms of depression, agitation, sleep disturbance, anxiety and apathy that can often come with dementia.

Dr Tom Russ, an NHS Consultant Old Age Psychiatrist and Researcher at The University of Edinburgh, said, “Over the past 20 years, I’ve engaged with hundreds of people who have been diagnosed with dementia, and it’s often the case that those individuals will withdraw from social activities, which can negatively impact their overall wellbeing.

“If you know of a friend or relative who has been diagnosed with dementia, it’s really important to stay in touch and help your loved one to maintain their usual social activities, or even try something new together.

“The Rethink Dementia campaign is sharing such a crucial message around the importance of social connection and I hope it provides positive action steps for family and friends of those living with dementia.”

For more information around supporting someone with a dementia diagnosis, please visit NHSInform.scot/RethinkDementia.