October is marked as Black History Month in the UK, and is a time to celebrate the achievements, culture and resilience of black people across Britain. It also serves as a time to reflect on the ongoing challenges, including health inequalities that affect this community.
This year’s theme is ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’.
At ADSS we believe that having access to the right information about dementia empowers individuals and families to take control of their health, seek support early, and care for one another with confidence and pride. 
Dementia is a condition that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour, and its prevalence is rising globally. In the UK, over 900,000 people are living with dementia, a number expected to rise in the coming years. Research indicates that Black African and Black Caribbean individuals are at a higher risk of developing dementia compared to their white counterparts. Factors such as higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, combined with cultural stigma and barriers to accessing healthcare, contribute to these disparities.
At ADSS, we are committed to working closely with the African-Caribbean community to provide the information, knowledge, and support people need. We have awareness sessions in Gravesend, that we work in partnership with Yetunde Adeola, who is the Project Director at Youth Ngage Kent. These sessions help families recognise the early signs of dementia, access appropriate care, and feel confident discussing memory and brain health without fear or stigma. The sessions take place on the second Friday of the month at 127/130, Windmill House, Windmill St, Gravesend DA12 1BL from 10.30am – 12pm.
Early diagnosis allows people to access treatments, plan for the future, and receive emotional and practical support. Yet, too often, symptoms are dismissed as “just getting older” or “stress.” Talking openly about dementia, in families, faith groups, and commu
nity spaces, helps to challenge stigma and promote early help-seeking.
Black History Month reminds us of the power of resilience, strength, and community. By supporting people affected by dementia in culturally sensitive ways, we are not only celebrating heritage, but we are also empowering communities to live well, care for one another, and access the support they deserve.