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Simon's CST Activities Blog (accessible at www.simondementia.co.uk) is a free and open-access online resource offering Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) activities for people with mild to moderate dementia, as recommended by the National Institute For Clinical Excellence. The site was created by Simon O’Donovan MBE, a retired Consultant Nurse from NHS Wales.

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Key Features:

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• Extensive Activity Library: Over 350 themed activity pages featuring quizzes, reminiscing games, creative tasks, and more - all designed to promote cognition, engagement, and social connection.

• Person-Centred Tools: Resources like the Snapshot Assessment and Getting to Know Me templates help tailor activities to individuals’ interests and abilities.

• Educational Links: Provides links to valuable external learning resources, such as UCL’s The Many Faces of Dementia and SCIE’s Dementia E-learning Course.

• Creative Arts Gallery: Showcases artwork and creative expressions by people with dementia, emphasising the therapeutic impact of arts.

• Online Accessibility & Vlog: For those unable to attend in-person sessions, there's a complementary YouTube channel (@simondementia) featuring CST vlogs aimed at people living with dementia at home.

Supported by:

• Voluntary, non-profit initiative: The site relies on Ko-fi donations to cover running costs, including web hosting and content creation.

• Strong community feedback: Many users, including facilitators and carers, have shared positive experiences of using Simon’s materials in sessions, both in person and online.

Reach and Impact

Recognition:
 

Included among the top UK dementia blogs in 2024 and 2025, as ranked by FeedSpot .

Listed in directories like Infoengine (a Welsh community services directory) and Dewis Cymru, which highlight the blog’s role in delivering CST and dementia support.

Performance Metrics (End-of-Year Report, 2024):
 

• ~13,000 site sessions

• ~21,800 post views

• ~6,200 unique visitors

• ~48 new free subscribers, with engagement up 131% over the year .

Quotes from users reflect appreciation and tangible impact:

• “My young onset group enjoyed participating in this quiz. Thank you.”

• “Absolutely brilliant, more and more people need to know about this!”

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Bottom Line

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www.simondementia.co.uk is a heartfelt, high-quality resource for people living with dementia, their carers, and dementia support professionals. It provides a rich and diverse library of CST activities, backed by professional experience, personal dedication, and community appreciation. Whether you're running a CST group or looking for creative, meaningful ways to support someone with dementia, Simon’s blog is a wonderful place to explore.

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