On 7 May, Liverpool is hosting a free public event to challenge assumptions about who dementia affects and to help connect younger people and their families with the support they need.
Although dementia is often thought of as a condition of old age, around 72,000 people under 65 in the UK are living with young-onset dementia, and around a third have no diagnosis.
Services are frequently geared towards older people, meaning younger people with the condition often find it difficult to get appropriate support.
To dispel myths and raise awareness, Liverpool Dementia Action Alliance is holding a Young Onset Dementia Awareness Day at Liverpool Central Library on Thursday, 7 May 2026, from 10.00 to 4.00.
Admission is free, and all are welcome.
Support and Education for Younger People
The event features a comprehensive programme designed to educate and assist the community.
The day’s schedule includes talks about young-onset dementia and how the experience differs from having the condition in older age.
Attendees can visit information stalls from local organisations offering advice and support, and engage in conversations with younger people with dementia and their carers about how it has affected their lives.
Furthermore, visitors will have the opportunity to become a ‘Dementia Friend’ and take their own small step towards raising awareness.
This event is open to everyone, including people living with a young-onset dementia diagnosis or those worried that something might be wrong.
It is also designed for families, friends, unpaid carers, and anyone in health and social care professions.
Additionally, the programme is relevant to people working in public-facing roles, such as teachers and educators, as well as to members of the general public interested in learning more.
Addressing the Need for Understanding
The initiative aims to bridge the gap in specialist services for those diagnosed earlier in life. Chair of Liverpool Dementia Action Alliance, Jack Coutts, says:
“There needs to be much better understanding of Young Onset Dementia and of the services and support available for people affected including unpaid carers.
“This event will go a long way towards addressing that need.”
By providing a central hub for information and shared experiences, the day seeks to ensure that the unique challenges faced by younger individuals are better recognised within the city.
Those interested can register for free here or simply drop in throughout the day.
For more details, people are encouraged to go to yodevent.org.
