Tag: Rethink Dementia campaign

Edinburgh’s Capital Theatres leads the way as Scotland urged to “Rethink Dementia”

Pic – Greg Macvean

Dementia affects each person differently, and even day-to-day experiences can change. The Scottish Government has launched the Rethink Dementia campaign to encourage Scots to support people living with the condition to stay socially active, to help them stay well for longer.

Capital Theatres (the charity who runs Festival Theatre, King’s Theatre and Studio Theatre in Edinburgh) is one of the many organisations across the country showing what’s possible when it comes to supporting people living with dementia. The theatre group have redesigned their buildings and continue to train their staff to ensure that people living with dementia feel welcome and supported.

Capital Theatres’ dementia-friendly approach encourages people living with dementia to stay socially connected and continue doing things that matter to them. 

Head of Creative Engagement at Capital Theatres, Claire Swanson explains: “When someone receives a diagnosis of dementia, it means they have a diagnosis of dementia.

“It doesn’t change who they are, what they’ve achieved, or the things that matter in their life. They’re still the person that they have always been.”

Helping someone living with dementia stay connected can help them stay well for longer and at Capital Theatres, this idea is as at the core of the organisation’s mission:

“It’s very important to us that the people in the community of Edinburgh and beyond feel that every one of our venues is a  welcoming place for them,” says Chief Executive Fiona Gibson.

That welcome starts with the physical space. Following a dementia-friendly audit in 2015, the team at Capital Theatres made small but impactful changes to their buildings, such as putting nosing on the edge of the stairs, so that there’s a very visual barrier, and changing the toilet seats to be a solid, contrasting colour.

These details reduce cognitive load and anxiety, making navigation easier.

However, a building is only as welcoming as its people. To counter the anxiety people may feel when arriving, every single staff member, from the people working in the café to the box office staff, is dementia trained. 

Claire Swanson adds, “We also encourage all our new staff to come along to our dementia-friendly events and spend time speaking with someone living with dementia.  Just sitting together and having a chat can relieve a lot of anxiety for those who may not know how to interact with someone living with dementia.”

The more comfortable individuals become around those living with dementia, the more confident they will become in supporting people with dementia to live well.

On the foundation of a welcoming space and a confident workforce, Capital Theatres runs a  dedicated dementia-friendly programme, consisting of a range of vibrant, in-person community events, led by a passionate creative engagement team, including Alex Howard, Gus Harrower, and Lucie Jeffrey.

The programme’s ethos is one of total accessibility. 

Alex Howard, Creative Engagement Coordinator and DementiArts magazine editor, explains: “Here at Capital Theatres, everything in our dementia-friendly programme is completely free, so there are no barriers to entry.

“We have five regularly running events: Tea & Jam, Brew & Blether, Comfy Ceilidh, Relaxing Rhymes and Together in Song. We invite people to come down, tea and coffee is on us, and you can get talking to people and join in. It’s important to us that cost isn’t a barrier.”

Each session is designed to create joy and connection. For Lucie Jeffrey, Creative Engagement Coordinator and Dance Lead, the work is a privilege “It’s an honour to be able to support these individuals,” she says.

Her advice is simple: “My top tips for working with those living with dementia is to treat them as individuals, give them their time and their space and just be kind.”

It’s important to give people living with dementia extra time, avoid interrupting them, and respond with understanding if confusion arises. Small acts of patience make a big difference.

Creative Engagement Coordinator and Music Lead, Gus Harrower connects this daily practice back to the national campaign. He says, “It’s important to treat people with dementia the same as anyone would want to be treated.

“Treat them with kindness, treat them with respect, get on their level and give them the time that they need to respond – patience is key. Events like ours and campaigns like Rethink Dementia are really battling that stigma, which is amazing to see.”

Capital Theatres also produces DementiArts magazine, which features articles and personal stories contributed by members of the dementia community, alongside a comprehensive listing of dementia-friendly events taking place across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

For Claire Swanson, it all comes back to the campaign’s central challenge to every Scot. “We need to change the way we think about people living with dementia and put the person, not the diagnosis, back at the front of the conversation. We’re proud to be championing that approach here at Capital Theatres.”

It’s time to rethink dementia. For more information and practical tips, visit nhsinform.scot/rethinkdementia.

Scots mum shares how music transformed her life in government’s ‘Rethink Dementia’ campaign

Bringing people together through music as dementia anti stigma campaign encourages Scots to Rethink Dementia

  • “Music gave me my life back” says Carol Topper, a South Lanarkshire mum, who says singing and dancing transformed her life with dementia following an early diagnosis, showing how shared activities like music can keep people socially connected and living well for longer
  • Carol Topper and broadcaster Sally Magnusson MBE, join the Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing at Glasgow’s Old Fruitmarket to share advice on how Scots can do simple things to make a difference in helping relatives and friends living with dementia.

The Scottish Government and COSLA have partnered with dementia charity Playlist for Life to mark the relaunch of the public health campaign Rethink Dementia.

Following evidence that social contact can help alleviate some symptoms commonly associated with dementia and help someone stay well for longer, the campaign encourages friends and relatives to support their loved ones by staying in contact and doing the things they’ve always done together.

Whether it’s enjoying music together, popping in for a cup of tea, visiting the shops or going for a walk, every Scot can play their part in helping someone with dementia stay well for longer.

The campaign launch celebrates the power of music in helping people living with dementia feel positive, and stay socially connected, active and part of their community.

Carol Topper, a 59-year-old former hairdresser and office administrator, and Playlist for Life Lived Experience Ambassador from South Lanarkshire says music and dancing transformed her life since diagnosis.

Carol joined Tom Arthur, Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing, Playlist for Life founder, Sally Magnusson, and former Miss Scotland contestant, fourth-year medical student and Playlist for Life ambassador, Abigail Thomson, at Glasgow’s iconic and dementia-friendly venue, the Old Fruitmarket, to mark the campaign.

Carol, who was diagnosed with onset vascular dementia in 2016, explained: “When I was diagnosed at 50, I went into a depression. I didn’t want to see anyone or leave the couch. Then I found Playlist for Life through my local Help Point in Carluke, and it changed everything.

“Now, when I put on my playlist, I’m not thinking about dementia, I’m singing, I’m dancing, I’m me again. And it’s a great activity to enjoy with my friends and family.  Music is dear to my heart, and it’s helped me live the best life I can with dementia.

“My favourite song has to be ‘Amazed’ by Lonestar as it was mine and my husband Malcolm’s wedding song.”

The Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing Tom Arthur, said: “When a friend or loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it’s natural to feel unsure about how best to help. 

“A dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming for families and friends. But simple acts of kindness really do matter. Staying connected and continuing to enjoy everyday activities together can help people live well for longer.

“This year’s Rethink Dementia campaign celebrates the power of music to spark memories, lift moods and bring people together, something every Scot can help make happen. I am delighted that we have been able to relaunch this campaign, alongside our continued efforts to improve the dementia experience through our 10-year Dementia Strategy.”

Councillor Kelly from COSLA, said: “The Rethink dementia campaign is a key deliverable for COSLA and the Scottish Government’s strategy ‘Dementia in Scotland – Everyone’s Story’.

“This campaign highlights the importance of encouraging people living with dementia to stay socially connected. It reminds us all of the difference we can make to support friends or loved ones living with a dementia diagnosis by maintaining contact and doing the things we’ve always done with them”


Sally Magnusson MBE, founder of Playlist for Life, said moments like Carol’s are at the heart of why the charity exists: “I founded Playlist for Life after caring for my mother, and seeing first-hand how music could transform her days.

“Since then, I have witnessed countless moments where a familiar song lights up a face, sparks a conversation or rekindles joy”.

“It’s great to see the Scottish Government championing this message. Personally meaningful music and the connections it encourages are marvellous ways of restoring a sense of self and well-being. They really do help people to live well with dementia for longer.”

For practical advice on supporting someone after a dementia diagnosis and to watch the campaign video, visit: https://www.nhsinform.scot/rethinkdementia

Rethink Dementia: Bringing people together through music

  • “Music gave me my life back” says Carol Topper, a South Lanarkshire mum, who says singing and dancing transformed her life with dementia following an early diagnosis, showing how shared activities like music can keep people socially connected and living well for longer
  • Carol Topper and broadcaster Sally Magnusson MBE, join the Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing at Glasgow’s Old Fruitmarket to share advice on how Scots can do simple things to make a difference in helping relatives and friends living with dementia.

The Scottish Government and COSLA have partnered with dementia charity Playlist for Life to mark the relaunch of the public health campaign Rethink Dementia.

Following evidence that social contact can help alleviate some symptoms commonly associated with dementia and help someone stay well for longer, the campaign encourages friends and relatives to support their loved ones by staying in contact and doing the things they’ve always done together.

Whether it’s enjoying music together, popping in for a cup of tea, visiting the shops or going for a walk, every Scot can play their part in helping someone with dementia stay well for longer.

The campaign launch celebrates the power of music in helping people living with dementia feel positive, and stay socially connected, active and part of their community.

Carol Topper, a 59-year-old former hairdresser and office administrator, and Playlist for Life Lived Experience Ambassador from South Lanarkshire says music and dancing transformed her life since diagnosis.

Carol joined Tom Arthur, Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing, Playlist for Life founder, Sally Magnusson, and former Miss Scotland contestant, fourth-year medical student and Playlist for Life ambassador, Abigail Thomson, at Glasgow’s iconic and dementia-friendly venue, the Old Fruitmarket, to mark the campaign.


Carol, who was diagnosed with onset vascular dementia in 2016, explained : “When I was diagnosed at 50, I went into a depression. I didn’t want to see anyone or leave the couch. Then I found Playlist for Life through my local Help Point in Carluke, and it changed everything.

“Now, when I put on my playlist, I’m not thinking about dementia, I’m singing, I’m dancing, I’m me again. And it’s a great activity to enjoy with my friends and family.  Music is dear to my heart, and it’s helped me live the best life I can with dementia.

“My favourite song has to be ‘Amazed’ by Lonestar as it was mine and my husband Malcolm’s wedding song.”

The Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing Tom Arthur, said: “When a friend or loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it’s natural to feel unsure about how best to help. 

“A dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming for families and friends. But simple acts of kindness really do matter. Staying connected and continuing to enjoy everyday activities together can help people live well for longer.

“This year’s Rethink Dementia campaign celebrates the power of music to spark memories, lift moods and bring people together, something every Scot can help make happen. I am delighted that we have been able to relaunch this campaign, alongside our continued efforts to improve the dementia experience through our 10-year Dementia Strategy.”

Councillor Kelly from COSLA, said: “The Rethink dementia campaign is a key deliverable for COSLA and the Scottish Government’s strategy ‘Dementia in Scotland – Everyone’s Story’.

“This campaign highlights the importance of encouraging people living with dementia to stay socially connected. It reminds us all of the difference we can make to support friends or loved ones living with a dementia diagnosis by maintaining contact and doing the things we’ve always done with them”

Sally Magnusson MBE, founder of Playlist for Life, said moments like Carol’s are at the heart of why the charity exists: “I founded Playlist for Life after caring for my mother, and seeing first-hand how music could transform her days. Since then, I have witnessed countless moments where a familiar song lights up a face, sparks a conversation or rekindles joy”.

“It’s great to see the Scottish Government championing this message. Personally meaningful music and the connections it encourages are marvellous ways of restoring a sense of self and well-being. They really do help people to live well with dementia for longer.”

For practical advice on supporting someone after a dementia diagnosis and to watch the campaign video, visit: https://www.nhsinform.scot/rethinkdementia

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.

Rethink Dementia campaign launched

Supporting people to stay well for longer

A new campaign challenging people to Rethink Dementia has been launched by the Scottish Government in partnership with COSLA.

To help address the stigma around the illness, people are being encouraged to continue doing everyday activities with friends or relatives diagnosed with dementia.

Research shows that making this effort to include people in social activities can help them stay well for longer as well as alleviate symptoms such as depression, anxiety and apathy.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray said: “When a friend or relative is diagnosed with dementia it’s natural not to know what to do. It can be an upsetting and daunting time, but it’s important for all of us to play a supportive role in helping our friends and family.  

“One of the key elements in the Rethink Dementia campaign is asking us to think differently about a dementia diagnosis. There are many practical steps we can take to help the people closest to us to lead fulfilling lives and stay well for longer.” 

COSLA’s Health and Social Care Spokesperson Counsellor Paul Kelly said: “This new campaign is a clear call to us all to think differently about dementia and those with a diagnosis.

“It highlights very clearly the simple ways that we can support people with dementia to stay connected to their local communities.”

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 often they will withdraw from social activities, which can have a negative impact on their overall wellbeing.

“For anyone with friends or relatives who have been diagnosed with dementia, it’s vital to stay in touch to help them maintain their usual social activities, or even try something new together.”

Dementia affects an estimated 90,000 people in Scotland, 3,000 of whom are under the age of 65. 

For more information on supporting someone with a dementia diagnosis, please visit: ReThink Dementia | NHS inform

You can view our campaign film here https://youtu.be/82cLVZaoskI