Posted on 9th January 2025
FA and Alzheimer’s Society “Support the Supporters” campaign returns
This month’s FA Cup fixtures will see the return of the “Support the Supporters” drive, a joint campaign between the FA and the Alzheimer’s Society.
The campaign – taking place over the FA Cup third round weekend and the fourth round of the Women’s FA Cup – aims to increase awareness of dementia symptoms and encourage fans to take the first steps in seeking support and potential diagnoses.
Dementia is one of the biggest health and social care issues facing the country, the Alzheimer’s Society says, and New Year is a particularly busy period for Britain’s leading dementia organisation.
The third round weekend is accompanied by a spike in calls to the society, as people often spot changes in loved ones over the festive period after seeing family members for the first time in a while.
Calls to the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Line were up 16% in January 2024 compared to the 2023 monthly average.
Kate Lee, chief executive at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Football offers an incredible opportunity to communicate with a captive audience and create change, so we are once again incredibly grateful to have the support of our partners at the FA and clubs across the country to spread these important messages to fans.”
“Dementia is the biggest health and social care issue of our time, yet it isn’t the priority it needs to be.
“So many people still don’t know what symptoms to look out for, or the upside of getting a diagnosis when you are living with the condition. Without a diagnosis, support services and potential treatments are out of reach.
Clubs competing in the third and fourth rounds will be promoting “Support the Supporters” across their social media channels – including a “nameless” teamsheet to highlight memory loss as a key symptom.
Additional messages will be included in matchday programmes, in-stadium big screens and pitchside advertising hoardings.
