Wildlife populations continue to decline and natural habitats face growing threats.

Conservation charity the National Trust has taken the unusual step of urging people throughout Northern Ireland to contact their MLA regarding the current state of the natural environment.

The Trust is appealing to the public to join a campaign designed to halt the ongoing decline of nature, while pressing the NI Executive to intensify efforts to restore wildlife and safeguard the natural environment.

New findings from the 2025 People In the Outdoors Survey in Northern Ireland (POMNI) highlight just how vital nature already is to people’s daily lives.

The survey found that 70 per cent of adults spend time outdoors every week with 134 million outdoor visits are made each year. 80 per cent of people want to spend even more time outdoors and 87 per cent of visits improve health and wellbeing

However, the data also exposes a significant inequality, with only 17 per cent of people having access to green space within a five-minute walk of their home.

Patrick Lynch, National Trust NI Restore Nature Lead, cautioned: “Nature is in freefall across Northern Ireland and these findings show the challenge is not a lack of motivation, but a lack of opportunity, reinforcing the urgent need to improve access to nature-rich spaces.

“Wildlife continues to decline, water quality is deteriorating, and people are increasingly cut off from the natural spaces that support health, well-being, and resilience.

“Some of our most precious places and species – from the Mournes and the Lakelands of Fermanagh to local woodlands, parks and coasts – are under threat. Once common species like curlew, skylark, and hedgehog in our gardens and skate in our coastal waters are in serious decline, reflecting a wider failure to protect habitats. And nowhere is the crisis clearer than at Lough Neagh, which has been repeatedly affected by toxic blue-green algae blooms and has become a symbol of environmental failure.”

The charity states that recent decisions and proposals indicate that nature is not being regarded as a priority by the Government here, with anxieties surrounding a lack of clear targets, investment and enforcement. They are encouraging people throughout Northern Ireland to contact their MLAs and demand stronger measures to restore nature.

Heather McLachan, Director for the National Trust in Northern Ireland, said: “We would never launch a campaign like this lightly. But it’s clear that current action does not match the scale of the crisis.

“People across Northern Ireland care deeply about nature. It shapes our identity, supports our wellbeing and underpins our economy, but that concern is not being matched by the urgency of government action.

“Without nature, there is no future. It’s time for leadership that restores nature and creates thriving places for people and wildlife alike.”

The charity cautions that without decisive intervention rivers, lakes and seas will remain polluted; Future generations will inherit a more degraded environment and food security will be put at risk

The Trust is urging the Executive to commit to three key actions:

1. Protect and restore nature now – Set legal targets that drive action in support of nature and fix the system that is meant to protect it. Give key landscapes and waterways, like the Mournes and Lough Neagh, protection as essential regional assets.

2. Invest in wildlife – Mobilise the funding, skills and evidence needed for nature to thrive. Create more spaces for nature and properly pay farmers to restore habitats, improve soil health, protect rivers and produce food sustainably.

3. Create resilient futures for communities – Ensure every community has access to nature-rich green spaces and design nature into every new housing development.

The Trust is calling on people throughout Northern Ireland to contact their MLAs and demand more robust action to revive and restore nature.

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Police Scotland urge the public to stay away from the area while they carry out their investigation.

A casualty has been rushed to hospital after a ‘serious assault’ in Glasgow city centre.

The incident happened close to the city’s St Enoch Square this afternoon, Sunday, May 17, at around 2:15pm. One person has been rushed to hospital but no information is available on their condition at this stage.

Officers from Police Scotland advise people to stay away from the area while they carry out their investigation, but said there is no wider risk to the general public.

A heavy police presence remains at Glasgow city centre this evening.

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Three officers were pictured behind a police cordon outside Howdy’s pub in St Enoch Square. Two police vans were also snapped around the four corners area on Argyle Street.

Another image shows six uniformed officers huddled together near Hielanman’s bridge at Glasgow Central Station.

The subway at St Enoch Station was partially closed following the assault.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers have closed the area around St Enoch Square in Glasgow following a report of a serious assault around 2.15pm on Sunday, 17 May. One person has been taken to hospital.

“There is not believed to be any wider risk however the public is asked to avoid the area as enquiries into the circumstances continue.”

A spokesperson for Glasgow Subway said: “Due to an ongoing police incident the South entrance of St Enoch Station is currently closed. Passengers can still access the station by the North entrance (facing Buchanan St). Apologies for any inconvenience.”

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Pignut and the Hare, housed in the historic Hare Inn in Scawton, Helmsley, holds the top spot on TripAdvisor for the area, with a five out of five star rating.

Celebrated for its tasting menus, the restaurant focuses on locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes.

The menu changes regularly based on availability, featuring creative courses such as a signature ‘wastage broth’ made from leftover vegetables, and a dessert pairing of mushrooms, coffee, and caramel.

A dish at Pignut and the Hare (Image: TRIPADVISOR)

One reviewer described the venue as a “culinary highlight”, praising “creative, locally-sourced dishes and innovative amuse bouche”.

Others commended the “attentive and professional service”, noting that it enhances the overall experience.

One diner, who visited the restaurant this month to celebrate her silver wedding, said: “Amazing night at Pignut and Hare to celebrate our silver wedding.”

She said: “Then the main event, the 12-course tasting menu with wine pairings.

“Beautiful dining room with roaring fire in a wood burner.

“Lovely croustade and crackers to set the scene.

“Then onto the menu itself.

“Every dish beautifully presented, and gorgeous local pottery and tableware.

“Too many flavour sensations to mention, but highlights alouette potato hash with smoked cod’s roe, chalk stream trout, rhubarb and horseradish, Yorkshire forced rhubarb with medowsweet and nan’s cake tin.

“Fantastic service and knowledgeable staff, and interesting selection of wine pairings, carefully selected.

“Will definitely be back again soon.”

The atmosphere, described as serene, also receives frequent praise for its calming influence and opportunity for guests to unwind in comfort.

Another person who visited this month described her visit as the “best Christmas present ever”.

She said: “My husband bought me a gift voucher at Christmas for here and WOW.

“We stayed overnight on a Friday, and the weather was kind, so we had a cocktail sitting outside.

“So peaceful.

“The room we stayed in was absolutely beautiful (as was the whole place), with many tiny details of design.

The front of the Pignut and the Hare (Image: TRIPADVISOR)

“The food was the star of the show.

“We opted for the half menu and had a couple of additions.

“The milk bread and chicken were divine, as was the pork, but the mushroom mousse (sweet) was out of this world.

“Breakfast wasn’t too shabby either.

“The staff were knowledgeable and attentive.

“Such a treat.”

The restaurant’s format is exclusively tasting menu, with the half menu currently priced at £75 per person and the full experience at £120 per person.

The Michelin Guide has also taken notice, calling it “good cooking” and describing it as “ambitious” and “hyper-local”.

While the vast majority of reviews are glowing, a select few offer minor points for improvement, often comparing the restaurant to Michelin-starred venues such as The Angel at Hetton, The Black Swan at Oldstead, and The Star at Harome.

TripAdvisor reviewer York_TravellerYork said: “This place is clearly a labour of love for a husband and wife team, and it absolutely deserves to be a complete success.

“The accommodation rooms are charming and comfortable, and the quality of the food is of a very high standard.

“The restaurant is lovely, and it is quite possible that at some point in future it would be of a standard to warrant a Michelin star.”

Located just five minutes from Rievaulx Abbey, Pignut and the Hare is open for dinner from 6pm to 10pm, Wednesday through Saturday.

Online, the venue has described itself as: “A 12th Century Inn, in North York Moors National Park, five minutes from Rievaulx Abbey, for beautifully restored rooms and a restaurant serving locally sourced ingredients within a tasting menu, every changing as the seasons and suppliers dictate.

“Serving Dinner Bed and Breakfast can also offer just our tasting menu.”

People are being asked to share their visions for the future of their communities and the country as a new Oxford University survey asks, what does it mean to be British?

Brits are being invited to join a ‘National Conversation’ to find out what unites – and what divides us.

People are asked to share their visions for the future of their communities and the country and asks, what does it mean to be British? The major research project – featuring a national survey and local conversations across the country – will use AI models to analyse thousands of responses to map what could bring us together.

It aims to determine what does it mean to be British (and English, Scottish or Welsh), what connects us to our neighbours and what makes this place feel like home? The National Conversation has been launched by the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion and will run until the end of August.

OPINION

Brendan Cox

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Sir Sajid Javid, Co-chair of the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion and former Cabinet Minister said: “Our country is in real peril. Unless we can regain a shared sense of what unites us – of what we have in common – we risk being torn apart by our differences.

“That vision won’t come from politicians – it can only come from the public. So please take a few minutes out of your day to add your voice to the national conversation. I’m a great believer in the wisdom of the public – we hope this conversation gives that wisdom voice.”

To take part in the National Conversation members of the public are invited to complete the ten-minute Oxford University survey- filling in a few details about their neighbourhood and then leaving a 60 second voice note about their vision for the future. There will also be thousands of small group discussions across the country organised by partner organisations.

One place where the conversation will take place is the Community Corner, a local hub focused on connecting local residents, in Wigan. Lisa Sedgwick, who helps run the centre, said: “The Corner is palace of connection, for people to come together, being alongside each other. We have an open door policy, just pop in for a chat and a brew.”

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The centre offers a vast range of activities including workshops, film club, arts and crafts, poetry writing, social gatherings, and a tool library. Lisa said: “We hope to give people a bit of purpose. It’s a community connector. I think it’s growing each year. We offer a bit of everything. It’s not political at all, there’s no judgement in this place.”

Oliver Wood, who runs three workshops, said: “I used to wonder past thinking what was going on but wouldn’t come in because of my anxiety. Now I run a creative writing workshop and a lego club. It feels like family.”

Tony Ball, who helps run the film club, said: “We lost our local cinema a few years ago, so now we do film club here. Once a month we show a kids film, a classic in the afternoon and cult films in the evening.”

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Phil Beswick started helping out at the community pantry and now refurbishes bikes for the community: “I’m known as the ‘bike man’. The council gives us old bikes from the tip, I refurbish them and we give them to people who need them, to help them get out and about or find a job.”

Playwright James Graham – who has helped advise on the design of the National Conversation – said: “As we all know, our society can feel very divided right now, and in a political climate that often seeks to divide us into narrower tribes that incite tensions through difference rather than unite us around our positives and strengths.

“It’s also the case that the louder voices are the ones which tend to reach above the noise. I come from a proud place, rich in heritage and ideas but that is often left voiceless. So here is a genuine, real attempt to correct that.

“Our country is a story that we should all contribute to and tell. We want to hear your vision of the kind of country that would make you proud and the kind of communities you want to live in. I truly hope this National Conversation can be the first serious attempt to map out what vision we share of the future. We need it now more than ever.”

Polling for the British Red Cross shows we have never felt so divided. Three quarters of UK adults (75%) believe Britain is divided as a country Almost as many (72%) say the country has become more divided over the last five years. Only around half of adults say they feel comfortable discussing politics (48%), immigration (50%) or global conflicts (49%) with their partner

Melinda Mills, professor of Demography and Population Health at the University of Oxford and Nuffield College, said: “AI has revolutionised our ability to process huge amounts of data, spot patterns and tell stories. It transforms our ability to conduct mass listening exercises like this and gain real insight from it.

“Being able to analyse voice notes takes that capability further – capturing the language people choose, the emotional register, the texture of how they actually talk about their communities. We hope that this National Conversation will build a new kind of national evidence base about what might hold us together.”

Jon Cruddas, Co-chair of the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion and former Labour Policy Coordinator said: “Rebuilding Britain’s social fabric and sense of community has never been more urgent. But the answers to this don’t lie in Westminster. They lie in communities up and down the country. That’s why the National Conversation is at the heart of how we rebuild a shared vision of our country.”

Taken together, the survey and community conversations aim to provide the clearest picture yet of the state of connection and cohesion across the UK and where common ground can be found about the country’s future. The Commission’s report, due later this year, will combine this public insight with academic research and a year-long programme of expert testimony and commissioner deliberation.

To take part in the survey visit here

Sixty five million years in the making, this electrifying stage show blends jaw-dropping puppetry, interactive storytelling and fascinating science into an unforgettable live experience.

From the moment the adventure begins, audiences are swept into a thrilling mission filled with excitement, discovery and plenty of laughs.

Children watch wide-eyed as a shadowy raptor lurks on the loose, before giggling with delight at the chance to meet — and carefully feed — adorable baby dinosaurs. But this is no ordinary theatre trip, as young adventurers are encouraged to stomp, roar and swish their tails along with the action, becoming part of the story themselves.

Dinosaur Live (Image: Dinosaur Live)

Created by Mike Newman of Exciting Science, the show strikes the perfect balance between fun and learning, sneaking in fascinating dino facts without missing a beat.

The highlight comes in a heart-pounding finale, as a towering T-Rex bursts onto the stage — a moment guaranteed to leave audiences both thrilled and amazed.

Packed with energy, humour and just the right amount of edge-of-your-seat excitement, Danger on T-Rex Mountain is a must-see adventure that will have the whole family smiling long after the curtain falls.

A spokesman said: “Whether your child is dinosaur-obsessed or just loves a good adventure, Danger on T-Rex Mountain is an absolute must-see. It’s immersive, interactive, and hilariously entertaining—with just enough “scary” to keep the grown-ups entertained too.”

The show comes to the Albert Halls on July 27

Four crew members are in stable condition after two fighter jets collided mid-air during a US air show, officials say.

All the aircrew safely ejected from US Navy EA18-G jets that were performing an aerial demonstration when they crashed.

The dramatic incident happened on Sunday, during the second and final day of the Gunfighter Skies air show in Idaho.

Read more about this story here.

Nominations have opened for the 2026 Scotland Loves Local Awards – including those for Town of the Year.

People across West Lothian are being urged to celebrate their high street heroes.

Nominations have opened for the 2026 Scotland Loves Local Awards – including those for Town of the Year.

The accolades recognise and reward the people and organisations who make communities better places to live, work and visit.

And the region’s residents are being encouraged to nominate those who they would like to be named as a High Street Hero – with one being honoured in each of Scotland’s eight Scottish Parliament regions.

READ MORE: Plans for West Lothian to introduce parking charges for drivers across county

People can also put their home area forward for the national accolades of Town of the Year and Innovation in Place.

The awards are organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) as an extension of its wider Scotland Loves Local campaign, which encourages people to help grow stronger communities by supporting the enterprises, organisations and initiatives in them.

Last year’s heroes included Paul Boyle of Boghall Butchers in Bathgate, recognising more than 50 years of commitment to serving his community.

Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s Chief Officer, said: “Remarkable, determined and innovative work is taking place across West Lothian which is making communities better places to live, work and visit. The Scotland Loves Local Awards are an opportunity to celebrate all of that.

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“We are looking forward to hearing more about the places, projects and people who are leading the way with inspirational action which really does make a difference – and having the chance to celebrate their achievements.”

Now in their sixth year, the Scotland Loves Local Awards recognise leadership, innovation and community action that supports thriving local places – from transformational regeneration projects and entrepreneurial community initiatives to the individuals going above and beyond to make a difference.

READ MORE: West Lothian councillors to get twice yearly updates on pothole and road repairs

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England’s Aaron Rai clinched his first major title with a stunning victory at the US PGA Championship.

The 31-year-old emerged from a chasing pack littered with major champions at Aronimink Golf Club to become the first English winner of the event in over a century.

Rai, whose previous best finish at a major was 19th, shot a sublime five-under 65 as he stormed to finish three shots clear of the field and is just the fifth European to win the US PGA.

The world number 44 from Wolverhampton – with three DP World Tour victories and a single PGA Tour win to his name – landed the 3.69 million dollar (£2.76million) prize and clinched the Wanamaker Trophy.

Three players held the lead during the final round of the championship as the congested leaderboard resulted in a thrilling final day.

But Rai evoked Philadelphia’s Rocky-style underdog spirit to be the last known survivor in the greatest moment of his career.

Alex Smalley took a grip of the championship on Saturday evening as he birdied four of the last six holes to pull two shots clear of the pack.

But an extraordinary 21 players were within four shots of his six-under-par score as the final round got under way and the chasing pack began to pile the pressure on.

Rai was in a group two back, alongside Ryder Cup stars Jon Rahm and Ludvig Aberg, Canada’s Nick Taylor and German Matti Schmid – with Rory McIlroy a further shot adrift.

Justin Thomas charged from level par to set the clubhouse lead at five under thanks to a brilliant 65. When he signed his card, that had him one back as the leaders headed out.

Smalley was in the final group alongside Schmid, neither player having so much as a PGA or DP World Tour win to their name.

The American started steadily but endured a horror show to double bogey the sixth. He also bogeyed the eighth to drop three off the lead which had been grasped by Schmid thanks to three birdies in his first six holes.

McIlroy, chasing a seventh major and his second in a row, started his move with a birdie at the second but it was a story of missed chances as he made par at the next 10 holes to remain two back.

The Northern Irishman knew he had to pick up at least a shot to match Thomas’ mark but headed the wrong way after a wayward tee shot led to bogey at the 13th.

Back he came with a wonderful birdie putt at the next keeping him alive but Rai was making his move.

Three bogeys in his first eight holes, alongside two birdies, hampered Rai’s progress but his round was ignited at the eighth.

A stunning eagle putt surged Rai to within one of the lead and he was soon out in front on his own after birdieing the 11th as Schmid dropped a shot at the 10th.

Rai looked calm and composed, consistently finding fairways, and a majestic up-and-down birdie from the bunker at 13 took him two clear at seven under with five to play.

Schmid picked up a shot to close within one but Rai attacked the par-five 16th with a stunning approach teeing up another birdie.

But he saved his best for the 17th green to crown a magnificent major Sunday, rolling in an astounding 69-foot putt to go to nine under.

Rai looked on almost in disbelief at what he was producing as the spectators erupted.

He is the first English winner since the first champion, Jim Barnes, when the tournament was match play, and ends a 10-year run of American dominance of the championship.

The chasers had no answer. McIlroy was unhappy with a spectator at the 16th as he could only make par at the final two holes to shoot 69.

Rahm had birdied the first two holes as he started his pursuit of a third major like a train but he turned at five under, one back after two bogeys.

The Spaniard hung in valiantly and birdied 15 to get to within three at six under and finish second.

The celebration, which has been held in Livingston since 2015, may be ‘unable to continue’ as funding drops and costs rise.

The team behind West Lothian Pride have made a desperate plea as the future of the event hangs in the balance.

The celebration, which has been held in Livingston since 2015, may be ‘unable to continue’ as funding drops and costs rise.

The event is scheduled to return to Howden Park on July 25, though bosses are fearful for next year’s event.

West Lothian Pride Chair, Ross Sansom-Parnell, told Edinburgh Live that many of the sponsors have ‘changed their criteria’ and are funding other causes now.

READ MORE: People across West Lothian urged to celebrate their high street heroes

Ross also said rising costs of putting on an event like West Lothian Pride, combined with their funds dwindling, have led to a ‘scary situation’.

He said: “This is something that’s happening across pride festivals in the UK. There’s a number of events up and down the country that have been cancelled or completely shut down because the money isn’t out there anymore.

“We’ve never been in this situation before, and now in our 11th year we’re nearly at breaking point. It’s become scary.

“We want to be open and honest with the community, we’re a very family focused pride. It’s a day they kind of expect every year.

The team have been posting on social media and asking local companies for sponsorship, though Ross told us they haven’t had much luck.

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He added: “We’ve gone out on social media and to local companies to see who would sponsor us. We haven’t had much back.

“People who are listed on our site as sponsors, a lot of those are something physical like venue space.

“Many of the companies who used to sponsor us have changed their criteria, and inclusion and diversity just isn’t as much of a focus anymore.

“It’s so tricky with rising costs of everything as well. It’s not been a fun year. West Lothian Pride is one of the only LGBT+ spaces within the area. This will literally take away one of the major things for the community.

“We’ve tried to be that shining beacon with West Lothian, and without the event people need to travel to big city’s for events like this. We’re a smaller, community-focused pride, and that would sadly go.”

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While this year’s event is ‘99.5 per cent’ paid for, the future of West Lothian Pride hangs in the balance. As it stands with their current financial situation, the event ‘will not be going ahead next year’.

Ross added: “The concern is about next year’s event, we’re already tight for this year but 99.5 per cent of costs are covered. If something else pops up we will struggle.

“Locals seem pretty gutted. One guy said his local event, Grampian Pride, has stopped and he was going to choose us for the next pride as he came last year and really enjoyed it. A lot of comments have been really supportive, but the overall feeling is sadness.”

Sharing an update for locals, West Lothian Pride posted on Facebook: “For many Pride organisations across the country, funding is becoming harder and harder to secure each year – and sadly, West Lothian Pride is no exception.

READ MORE: West Lothian lawyer to chair fund dishing out £20m of Westminster cash

“While we are incredibly proud that we have been able to secure enough funding to deliver this year’s Pride celebrations, the reality is that once this year’s event is over, our remaining funds will be extremely low. At this moment in time, there is currently not enough funding available for us to confidently deliver a Pride event next year.

“This is not something we ever wanted to say, but we believe in being open and honest with our community. West Lothian Pride has always been built by the community, for the community – and now we need your help to save Pride in West Lothian.

“If you believe Pride matters, if you value having safe, visible and inclusive LGBTQ+ events in our area, please consider supporting us.”

READ MORE: West Lothian councillors to get twice yearly updates on pothole and road repairs

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What followed were a very frightening few months having to find their own support

When Julie Kerr was diagnosed with dementia in 2022, a doctor told her to go home and Google it before showing her to the door.

When Julie started becoming increasingly forgetful a few years ago, her daughter, a care assistant, arranged for her to see her GP.

After a series of hospital tests, including scans, to rule out other conditions, the Newtownabbey grandmother was eventually diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s four years ago.

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After Julie, 61, received her dementia diagnosis, the doctor stood up, opened the door and said: “You’ll be able to find out more about it on the internet,” then closed the door.

What followed were a very frightening few months as Julie and her husband David then had to find their own support, eventually joining a local dementia support group.

The couple are speaking out as a new landmark report exposes a dementia care system failing patients in Northern Ireland at every stage.

The findings, published today by Alzheimer’s Society, show that dementia patients routinely face prolonged delays to diagnosis followed by gaps and stark inequalities in treatment and support.

The charity says delays of this scale have quietly become routine for dementia, Northern Ireland’s biggest killer, but would not be accepted for cancer or heart disease.

This one-of-a-kind analysis, examining the entire dementia and treatment pathway end-to-end reveals patients are not just delayed or ignored once, but are repeatedly missed for opportunities for diagnosis, treatment and support at every stage.

Julie’s husband David said: “You can’t give people a dementia diagnosis and tell them – that’s it, away you go.”

He compares this experience to when he was diagnosed with heart disease and assigned a dedicated heart nurse for follow up, adding: “Why isn’t there a similar approach with dementia?”

Julie and David are now taking part in an Alzheimer’s Society programme called ‘Time for Dementia’ which aims to educate a new generation of healthcare professionals who are more aware and understanding of dementia.

The missed, delayed, abandoned findings across the UK:

• Diagnosis delays: From first symptoms to diagnosis, people wait an average of 3.5 years – with almost six months of that spent waiting for diagnosis after GP referral to a memory clinic.

• Early signs going unnoticed: Four in five GPs say patients are reluctant to discuss symptoms of dementia in consultations, while one in five say they lack confidence diagnosing dementia.

• Left without support: One in five say they received no support after diagnosis, with families describing being “released into the wild”.

• Treatment inconsistencies: Only half of those prescribed dementia medication remain on it for a year, despite benefits of continued treatment.

Northern Ireland faces the largest projected increase in dementia prevalence in the UK – from 24,700 to 37,400 by 2040, a rise of 51%. Without strategic intervention, the cost of dementia to Northern Ireland is expected to double from £1 billion to £2 billion per year by 2040.

New polling of almost 800 adults across Northern Ireland underlines the urgency for change: 92% of respondents are calling for improvements to timely and accurate diagnosis, 89% support increased investment in diagnostic services, and 92% believe people with dementia must have the right support for unpaid carers.

Alzheimer’s Society is calling on the Northern Ireland Assembly to urgently publish and deliver a bold and ambitious new dementia strategy, one that provides the ambition and accountability needed to drive real change for everyone living with dementia in Northern Ireland.

Ruth Barry, Alzheimer’s Society’s National Influencing Manager, says there’s failure throughout the dementia care system in Northern Ireland.

She added: “The scale of this failure wouldn’t be accepted for other major conditions like cancer or heart disease. Our ageing population and predicted rise in dementia cases mean that action can’t wait.

“That’s why we’re calling for a Northern Ireland dementia strategy and have published our Roadmap for Change. We urgently need to put plans in place to give people they care they need and deserve.”

At every stage, people are missed. Symptoms are missed, diagnosis is delayed, and support often comes too late to be that lifeline so desperately needed by people with dementia and their loved ones.

On average, across the UK people wait 3.5 years from first symptoms to diagnosis, including a 22-week wait after referral and even then, one in five report receiving no support at all after diagnosis.

The analysis shows how these failures compound: many people miss early warning signs, face long delays to diagnosis, and then fail to receive recommended treatments or follow-up care.

Without urgent action to fix the diagnosis and care system, the charity says delays will continue to push people into crisis faster, increase emergency hospital admissions, and place growing strain on health and social care services.

The findings form part of Alzheimer’s Society’s ‘Unlocking the Door’ reports, which bring together published research, clinical perspectives and data, and insight from people with lived experience of dementia. They are released ahead of the charity’s biggest annual fundraising campaign in June – the Forget Me Not Appeal – raising vital funds to support people affected by dementia.

In response, the Department of Health said people living with dementia across Northern Ireland should be supported to lead the best life possible.

A DoH spokesperson said: “This includes having access to safe, high quality and person-centered assessment and care, which focuses on their individual needs and wishes and which is underpinned by their right to access equitable healthcare provision.

“The Regional Dementia Care Pathway, launched in 2018, is the Department’s strategic tool to develop high-quality dementia services in Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, the Pathway has not been fully implemented as a result of significant service capacity challenges, gaps in available workforce, financial constraints and a growing demand for services.

“As part of the strategic and operational planning processes for 2026/27, the Department has recognised improving dementia services as a key priority.”