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May 2026

Dementia Action Week 2026: Shining a light on dementia

Did you know that up to 45% of dementia cases may be preventable or delayed through healthy lifestyle choices?

This Dementia Action Week, 18-24 May, find out how you can make small changes today – like managing your blood pressure, quitting smoking or checking your hearing – which may delay or reduce your risk of dementia.

During Dementia Action Week, join us and local partners such as Age UK Richmond for a week of activities and support or chat to one of our friendly advisers on the Health Bus touring the borough.

Get your free 20 minute NHS Health Check

This 20-minute check-up for eligible residents includes an assessment of your overall health to spot early risk factors for certain long-term conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and stroke.

Take proactive steps to delay or reduce your risk of dementia by getting an NHS Health Check.

📍 Available at your GP or one of the participating pharmacies in the borough.

Taking small steps for our mental health

In the UK, 1 in 4 people will experience challenges with their mental health this year.
Last week was Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme was Take Action. Even if we don't feel like it, there are small things we can do every day to look after our mental health. Moving our body, spending time with friends, and getting adequate sleep are just some ways we can improve our mental health.

If you have any concerns about your mental health or someone else's, you can contact your GP or seek support from a local service.

Richmond Borough Mind are moving for 100 Miles in May

Local charity, Richmond Borough Mind are raising awareness and funds for local mental health services by taking part in the 100 Miles in May Challenge. Over 150 participants are running or walking 100 Miles during the month of May to raise vital funds and experience the positive mental health benefits of getting active, spending time outdoors and in nature

You can sponsor any of the participants and follow their journey on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Try going smoke-free this World No Tobacco Day

Quitting smoking starts with a single day, and with the right support, you’re four times more likely to succeed and No Tobacco Day (31 May) is your chance to begin your journey to a smoke-free life.

Quitting smoking delivers benefits quickly – within three days, breathing and energy levels improve; within weeks, skin and circulation benefit; and within a year, the risk of heart attack is halved. Quitting smoking is also one of the ways you can reduce or delay your risk of dementia. 

Our Stop Smoking Service offers:

• Free tailored one-to-one support.
• Swap to Stop scheme – vape kit with three months of supplies for smokers 18+.
• Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT) including patches, lozenges, oral and nasal spray.
• Information on what to expect when trying to quit.
• Access to stop smoking medications.
• Tips for managing withdrawal symptoms and triggers.

Come and chat to our friendly advisors on the Health Bus at the Cambrian Community Centre, Wednesday 20 May from 10am-3pm or at the ETNA Community Centre on Thursday 21 May from 11-3pm to discuss your smoke-free journey. No appointment required.