Blog: Arvind Salwan, founder of Dementia Heroes
11th May 2026
The Prince of Wales recently said there is a need for more “male role models” to talk about and normalise issues around men’s mental health.
I applaud Prince William speaking out so publicly on this matter. And not for the first time. But I would go so far as to say that we need both male and female role models. We need more open public conversations. We need more funding for our mental health services. We need training and education from a young age, in both an analogue and digital world, including around artificial intelligence. We need compassion and better understanding in our workplaces and for employers to lead with empathy and to support staff. In turn, as a society, we will tackle the stigma that still exists; there is nothing wrong with saying you need to look after your mental health, as much as your (physical) health.
Yes, we need a lot, but mental health merits it, as it affects every one of us and those we love.
My late father was my role model; he still is. For many of us, parents or grandparents are our role models or, as I like to think, our heroes.
A diagnosis of dementia can prove challenging for both the person diagnosed and their family. It can, and does, often lead to additional factors, such as mental health problems.
As Prince William said in that same Radio 1 interview, we can’t expect to have all the answers ourselves. I certainly didn’t have the answers when faced with sudden loss and grief; no one prepares you. It’s okay to ask for support, ask a friend, to reach out.
This is why Dementia Heroes supports people living with dementia, people anticipating a formal diagnosis, and their carers and family members. We help people to connect, to chat, to reminisce, to enjoy music, to sing and to enjoy planting and gardening, all over tea and coffee.
It’s good to take time to understand someone’s emotions, including your own, and to check in with yourself and ask why you’re feeling like you do. Sometimes there’s an obvious explanation, sometimes there isn’t.
When my father passed away, a friend said to me, “Be kind to yourself.” I have used this for both myself and for sharing with others. It is important to learn to love yourself and understand yourself.
I recall Prince William opening up about his mental health pressures following the death of his mother, Princess Diana, describing feeling "pain like no other pain". The loss of a parent, or any loved one, is one of the hardest things any of us will experience.
It isn’t always easy, but try to live in the here and now. Live in the moment. See the opportunity in getting to care for and spend more time with loved ones, particularly if they are elderly. And be sure to help them to enjoy a socially active life with friends and family, out and about in their community, and see the happiness that conversations, singing, walking, reminiscing can bring them. We can support you with exactly that.
Why not come along to a Dementia Heroes cafe at The Nook, from 10.30-12pm, on the last Wednesday of every month? The kettle will always be on and a smile and friendly welcome on offer.
Arvind sits on the Lived Experience Panels at Age Scotland, Dementia UK, Alzheimer’s Research UK, the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling, the Scottish Government National Dementia Strategy Delivery Group and the Advisory Group, and Byres Community Hub at the School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow.
He runs the Dementia Heroes Cafe at The Nook in Glasgow every month. To view events and book a place, click here
