Dementia awareness week runs from Monday, May 18 until Sunday, May 24.

The condition affects hundreds of thousands of people nationwide and health providers, businesses and public services in Kingston are all trying to adapt to a growing need.

The following events are on offer in our area.

  • Carers' information session: Tuesday, May 19; Noble Centre, Blagdon Road, New Malden; 10.30am to 11.30am.

A chance for carers to find out about local services that support carers of people with dementia.

Booking required. Contact melanie.cressey@alzheimers.org.uk or call 020 3515 5147.

  • Home Instead memory cafe: Tuesday, May 19; Kingston Hospital restaurant; 2pm to 4pm.

The regular memory cafe will host an information workshop by hospital staff about their forget-me-not scheme. Open to the public and booking required. Contact wimbledon@homeinstead.co.uk or call 020 8942 4137.

  • Memories of policing from the 1960s to today: Tuesday, May 19, 7pm to 8pm; New Malden Library.

Join ex-policeman Richard Ramsey talk about his time with Hampshire police and the Met.

Contact newmalden.library@rbk.kingston.gov.uk or call 020 8547 5006.

  • Kingston Hospital dementia appeal for ambassadors: Wednesday, May 20; Kingston Hospital education centre; 3pm to 4.30pm.

OR Thursday, May 21; Kingston Lodge Hotel, Kingston Hill; 6pm to 7pm.

Join an interactive session exploring how you can become a community ambassador and support the hospital's plans to transform its dementia care.

To book, contact volunteering@kingstonhospital.nhs.uk or call 020 8934 3620.

  • Afternoon tea at the Raleigh Centre: Wednesday, May 20; Staywell, Raleigh House, Nelson Road, New Malden; 3.30pm to 5pm.

Take a tour of the care facilities at the Raleigh Centre, take home information and advice, and enjoy an afternoon tea.

Contact Cathy.Weight@staywellservices.org.uk or call 020 8942 8256.

  • Jeremy and Friends musical entertainers: Wednesday, May 20; Coombe Hill Manor, Coombe Lane West, Kingston; 10.30am to 12pm (show begins at 11am).

Head along for a morning of musical entertainment suitable for people living with dementia and the chance to talk to staff and residents. Booking required.

Contact enquiries.coombe@signaturesl.co.uk or call 020 8336 4650.

  • Dealing with dementia: Wednesday, May 20; Milaap centre, Murray House, Acre Road, Kingston; 11am to 2.30pm.

Talks from people with dementia and their carers, plus workshops on living with the condition. Booking required.

Contact co-ordinator Sarva Kumararajah on 07981 316196.

  • Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia: Thursday, May 21; Shiraz Mirza community hall, Norbiton; 11.30am to 12.30pm.

Carers can hear a presentation by Dr Siva Thiagarajah designed to raise awareness, and ask questions. In English and Tamil. Booking required; cost £4 including lunch.

To book, call Nathalie Wilson on 020 8547 4680.

  • Amy Woodgate centre open day and tour: Thursday, May 21, 10am to 3pm; Amy Woodgate centre, Nigel Fisher Way, Chessington.

Drop by to see day care and residential facilities first hand.

For information, visit yourhealthcare.org or call 020 8547 6267.

  • Singing for the brain: Friday, May 22; King Charles Centre, Hollyfield Road, Surbiton; 11am to 12pm.

A stimulating group activity for people in the early to moderate stages of dementia and their carers. Join in with a variety of songs - as many or as few as you like.

Booking required. Contact melanie.cressey@alzheimers.org.uk or call 020 3515 5147.