Dementia Support Line
Information
What does our blue flower badge represent?
We love seeing our badges out in the world, on collar and coats across the country. If you've also spotted one and want to know more about what it represents and why people are wearing these little blue flowers, read on.
Why have we chosen this flower?
The flower is a forget-me-not, a small blue flower that represents remembrance and is long-associated with dementia.
People with dementia may experience memory loss, among other symptoms. This makes the forget-me-not the perfect flower to represent our cause.
The blue flower pin is a symbol for anyone who wants to raise awareness of dementia and support people affected by the condition.
Alzheimer's Society forget-me-not flower pin badges are available in our shop. 100% of our shop profits go towards helping fight dementia.
Why do people wear a forget-me-not pin badge?
Anyone can wear our blue forget-me-not pin badge to show their support for Alzheimer’s Society. Many organisations have flowers, ribbons and other symbols to represent their charity.
A person might wear a forget-me-not badge because a family member or loved one has dementia, or they want to help raise awareness.
It’s best not to make assumptions about why someone might be wearing the pin.
What is the Forget Me Not Appeal badge?
In 2021, Alzheimer's Society launched the Forget Me Not Appeal.
This is an annual initiative that encourages people to wear a forget-me-not flower badge for the month of June to raise awareness and vital funds for people affected by dementia.
Should I wear a forget-me-not pin badge to show that I have dementia?
No, the badge is not to help identify people living with dementia in public. It's there for anyone to wear to show their support for people affected dementia.
During the Forget Me Not Appeal, people wear their badge not only to promote awareness of dementia but also in memory of or in tribute to a loved one affected by the condition.
If a person with dementia wants a discreet way to let others know about their diagnosis while out and about, we have free helpcards available.
Helpcards are an easy way for people with dementia to get help or assistance when out in the community. Personal information can also be added to them, so that people with dementia can get help in the best way for them, and only from people they feel safe around.
If you have any questions about your donation or Forget Me Not Appeal badge, please call our Supporter Care line on 0330 333 0804.
Get your badge
Donate online to the Forget Me Not Appeal and receive a badge in the post, while stocks last. Show your support for Alzheimer's Society today.
What does the Dementia Friend badge mean?
Dementia Friends is a social movement committed to changing how people see dementia.
A Dementia Friend is somebody that learns about dementia so they can help their community. They may choose to wear the badge so they can show support for the movement, or to help others who may need it.
Many Dementia Friends choose to receive and wear their pin badge.
These pin badges aren’t available to buy. Instead, you have the option to receive a badge once you become a Dementia Friend either by attending an Information Session in your community or by joining online.
You can become a Dementia Friend here.
Share your badge
Do you have a badge like one of these? Send us a photo of you wearing it with the hashtag #ForgetMeNotBadge and tell us why you wear yours
Janet
saysToday it appears that the water in my mother’s brain is effecting her cognitive skills. I know that they say God only gives us what we can handle but honestly I’m struggling more so seeing her slowly demising in front of my eyes 💜♥️
Becky
saysI am sorry to hear this, but I completely understand. I just lost my mom to dementia a few months ago.
Sarah Bray
saysHi Janet, my husband had had this for a little while. I also am finding it very difficult. Thought it might be nice to message someone in a similar situation. It is so hard. He is 67, I am 57 my name is Sarah. My husband is Rog. He was diagnosed 5 and a half years ago. But I think he is near 8 years. I’m happy to message again. If I can find this message again lol. I’m not great at technology. Lots of love. Xxx
Emily pearce
saysWhere can I get a pin from plz to put in my wedding bouquets xx
Anonymous
saysHello Emily,
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
We have a section of our Online Shop dedicated to Celebrations that includes meaningful keepsakes for your special day, including pins: https://shop.alzheimers.org.uk/weddings-and-celebrations
We hope this helps.
Alzheimer's Society blog team
Sarah jane Patterson
saysCould I please have 4 dementia pin badges for my dementia ambassadors in the home I manage the care sector
Anonymous
saysHi Sarah Jane,
These Dementia Friends pin badges aren’t available to buy. Instead, you have the option to receive a badge once you become a Dementia Friend by attending an Information Session online: https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/register-digital-friend
We hope this helps.
Alzheimer's Society blog team
Kerry Swyer
saysMy Alzheimer’s badge has lost its colour and I haven’t seen a donation box for a new one for a long time how do I get a new one please.
Oriole
saysI do not have Alzeimers disease, but another sort of memory loss.
Debbie O'Brien
saysI work in a dementia home as a carer and have done for seven years. I would wear a dementia friend badge with pride if I had one.
Rita JONES
saysOn the big debate on whether to generally refer to people diagnosed with dementia as sufferers. I look at it this way I would not like to be looked at as sufferer unless I am actually suffering at a particular time. Eg I may live with depression but I am not always ' suffereing' from depression. It's the same with dementia. If you are constantly being referred to as a sufferer it really desempowers you and puts a negative label which affects you negatively. That said, I agree we should recognise good intentions.
Elizabeth Green
saysRita hi, My pet hate is when Dementia is referred to as a disease. My sister is not diseased, she has an illness , Dementia. I know that it can seem petty but it really annoys me.
John France
saysFor manyyears this flower has repeseted Masonically a we will not forget Brethren.
Claudine Coughlin
saysI havebeen involved for over 15 years and I have never heard of anything like this! How can I be sure that this is really from the Alzheimer Society? I am very skeptical. Please send me a message. Thank you, Claudine Coughlin
Jennifer Doherty
saysI have lost a lot of the pin badges for one reason or another. I would like to see the alternative of brooch fastening badges available and would be happy to pay the extra cost as I am sure others would too. I am also a Dementia Friend and volunteer with 3 groups and again this pin badge would be better with a brooch fitting. Again I am sure there are many of us that would pay for them.
Trisha gaff
saysHi could I have a Dementia friend badge please my mum has dementia bless her heart thankyou
julie gibson
saysHow do you become a dementia champion?
Anonymous
saysHi Julie,
Thanks for getting in touch. You can find details on the Dementia Friends website here: https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/WEBArticle?page=what-is-a-champion
Kind regards,
--
Alzheimer's Society blog team
Rebecca Zartarian
saysWe are a Care company currently becoming Dementia Friendly. I would like to make a donation and also receive some of the metal badges for my senior carers. Is there a way I can do this?
christine wheeldon
saysI joined dementia friends along time ago but ive never received a badge.
Julie Lewis
saysAll staff at Chesterfield Care Group wear our badges with pride- we wear the forget me not brooches. Chesterfield Care Group run a walking and activity group in the chesterfield and surrounding areas for individuals with a diagnosis of Dementia- this badge is a great way to show the general public that if something unusual happens when we are out walking they understand without staff having to explain respecting our service users dignity 😃