Romsey comes together for Dementia Information Day 2025

On Sunday 18 May, Crosfield Hall in Romsey was filled with warmth, support, and community spirit as Romdag hosted its Dementia Information Day. The event brought together local residents, carers, families and professionals to share knowledge, connect with services, and raise awareness about dementia — a condition that touches so many lives.

Throughout the day, visitors had the chance to meet with over a dozen local organisations offering advice, resources, and practical support for people living with dementia and their families. It was a fantastic opportunity for attendees to ask questions, discover what's available in the area, and feel reassured that help is never far away.

We were also joined by some special guests who helped shine a light on this important cause. Caroline Nokes, MP for Romsey and Southampton North, praised the efforts of all involved, saying:“Dementia will touch all of us at some point in our lifespan. I want to say thank you to all of the stallholders — the information you provide is so important, helping people make informed decisions with confidence.”

Romsey’s new Mayor, Cllr Russell Theron, spoke about the need to remember the person behind the diagnosis:“What people don’t realise is that people living with dementia have lives and have a past. Dementia is a really cruel disease and touches many people.”

Di Metters, Cllr Russell Theron and Janet Pratley

Also in attendance was Cllr Nick Adams-King from Hampshire County Council, showing the strength of local support behind dementia-friendly initiatives.

Some of the wonderful organisations who took part included:

• Alzheimer’s Society

• Carers Together

• Home Instead

• Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust

• Romsey Library

• Princess Royal Trust for Carers in Hampshire

• The Memory Box Foundation

• Specsavers

• Footner Ewing Solicitors

• Step Change Design Ltd

• Driving Miss Daisy

• Portioned 4 You

• HILS Hampshire

• Jumbulance

• My Dentist

• Test Valley Cops

  
  

  …and of course, our hosts, Romdag.

Communibakes

A special thank you to Communibakes for providing scrumptious baked goods throughout the day. The added bonus to this is that all products from the bakery go to charity to support lonely and isolated people across Southampton.

Romdag Chair Janet Pratley shared her appreciation:“We were thrilled with the turnout and the engagement from both the public and professionals. It really shows how important dementia support is to this community.”

This event was a powerful reminder that none of us are alone — whether you’re living with dementia or caring for someone who is, there are people and services ready to help.

Romdag will continue its work throughout the year to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and make Romsey a more dementia-friendly community.