As part of Dementia Action Week 2025, a special community engagement event organised by Rutland County Council took place at Catmose House in Oakham. 

The event was launched with a speech by Deputy Lieutenant Dr Sandra McCune on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland. 

The event, which took place on Wednesday 21st May, was Spring into Action for Dementia, to raise awareness about the prevalence of the condition in Rutland, as well as highlighting how local people can get involved in helping those affected and their carers.

Deputy Lieutenant Dr Sandra McCune gave a speech on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland. (Photo: Lord Lieutenancy of Rutland)

During her speech, Dr McCune stated that dementia is currently diagnosed at a lower rate in Rutland despite the county having a more aged population than both the East Midlands and England on average. National trends indicate that approximately 1 in 14 people over 65 and 1 in 6 over the age of 80 are living with dementia. Given Rutland's higher-than-average elderly population, these national figures likely reflect the local demographic. 

She also pointed out that Rutland is one of only five local authorities, out of the 317 in England, to have specialist dementia nurses. Known as the Admiral Nurse Service, they provide free, expert advice, support and understanding to help families navigate caring for their loved ones. 

There are also many voluntary organisations present at the event from across the county that provide dementia support to carers. These include Age UK, Citizen's Advice, Voluntary Action Rutland, Vista, The Reading Agency, Rutland Musical Memory Box and several care homes. There is also Memory Cafes, singing and walking groups for those with dementia. 

The Lord Lieutenant of Rutland is a patron of local charity Dying Matters, which provides support for the carers of loved ones at end of life, including dementia support. They also have Bereavement Hubs to support those who have lost loved ones. 

This event was made possible through the collaboration of Rutland County Council, Admiral Nurses, Age UK, and Leicestershire and Rutland Dementia Support Services and supported by the Lord-Lieutenancy of Rutland.