Dementia-Friendly Communities
Table of Contents
What is a Dementia-Friendly community?
A Dementia-Friendly community is where people living with dementia are understood, supported, and able to stay connected and involved in everyday life.
Below is a video highlighting how dementia support is being strengthened across Hertfordshire by bringing healthcare and community life closer together, featuring the Parish Nurse Service in Croxley Green and Memory Support Hertfordshire.
Dementia Friendly Hertfordshire
Dementia Friendly Hertfordshire is a countywide initiative led by Hertfordshire County Council, working in partnership with Hertfordshire Mental Health, Learning Disability and Neurodiversity Health and Care Partnership and Memory Support Hertfordshire.
We work with businesses, organisations, and services across Hertfordshire to help them become more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for people living with dementia, their families, and carers.
Support is provided through the Dementia-Friendly Hertfordshire Accreditation, an online platform offering practical guidance, simple actions, and recognition for good practice. The accreditation is flexible, collaborative, and delivered in partnership with local dementia-friendly networks across the county.
Why this matters
Dementia affects nearly 1 million people across the UK, a figure expected to rise significantly by 2040. In Hertfordshire, more than 16,900 people are living with dementia, many without a formal diagnosis. The Hertfordshire Dementia Strategy 2023–2028 highlights the vital role of Dementia-Friendly communities in supporting those affected.
Making a difference
“Immediately after attending a dementia awareness session, staff supported an elderly woman who arrived lost and distressed. Recognising possible signs of dementia, they guided her to a quiet space, reassured her, and kept her safe until her husband arrived.”
Everyone Active, Stevenage
“…knowing that supporters who may have had to stop indulging their lifelong passion for the club have been able to continue enjoying football in comfort, while their loved ones feel safe and supported.”
Watford Football Club
“…dementia-friendly practice is a collective effort, one that thrives when communities work together.”
The Red Shed, Stevenage
Hear from Derek Richards, CEO of The Red Shed, as he shares the incredible work the organisation does and why building a dementia‑friendly Hertfordshire is so important.
Dementia-Friendly accreditation
The accreditation helps businesses and organisations reflect on current practice and take meaningful steps towards becoming more dementia aware. Not every question will apply to every business or organisation, but the framework is flexible and designed to support progress at any stage.
Many improvements made for people living with dementia also benefit customers, staff, and communities more widely.
Click below to watch a video to learn more about the new dementia-friendly accreditation
Access the Dementia-Friendly Hertfordshire platform:
https://hertfordshire.dementiafriendly.hoopd.co.uk/
Explore a public, interactive map of accredited dementia-friendly organisations and businesses across Hertfordshire, helping people living with dementia, their families, and carers find welcoming local places. Location List – Dementia Friendly Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire Organisations Share Their Experience:
“A very user-friendly, simple and straightforward platform — a pleasure to complete.”
The Red Shed
“Very easy to use, with a brilliant layout.”
Croxley Green Library
“The registration process was seamless and flowed well.”
Watford Football Club
Hear from Dave Messenger of Watford Football Club about the incredible steps taken to make their stadium dementia‑friendly and why creating inclusive spaces makes a difference.
What businesses & organisations commit to:
Becoming Dementia-Friendly is an ongoing journey. Accredited businesses and organisations are encouraged to:
- Share a short case study
- Identify two actions to continue improving
- Take part in dementia awareness learning
- Stay connected and share progress at: dementiafriendly@memorysupportherts.org.uk
The Accreditation Handbook and Accreditation Framework guide organisations through the process.
Dementia Friendly Hertfordshire Guide – Google Docs
Dementia Friendly Hertfordshire Accreditation Framework – Google Docs
Get involved
Dementia-Friendly Hertfordshire supports a growing network of dementia-friendly community groups across the county.
If you would like to find out more or get involved, please contact us: