#NationalPlaylistDay: Create a playlist in support of people with dementia on the 18th of September

National Playlist Day is a day to celebrate the power of personally meaningful music for dementia.

#NationalPlaylistDay is led by Playlist for Life and was launched in 2022 to raise awareness of the huge benefits for people living with dementia of listening to even just a handful of meaningful songs. It takes place on Friday 18th September, and with the campaign now running for the fifth year, Playlist for Life wants everyone to think about five songs to add to their ‘Playlist for Life’ now. Whether it’s five songs or fifty, every meaningful track can help spark joy, manage symptoms and help people connect. 

How do playlists help people living with dementia? 

Decades of scientific research and lived experience show that for people affected by dementia a playlist of personally meaningful music can:

  • Reduce anxiety and feelings of distress
  • Improve mood, communication and support connection
  • Help make everyday activities more manageable
  • Help those providing care, enhance support and reduce pressure
  • Reduce the need for some medications used to manage symptoms

Watch our short videp to discover the power of music for two families

Take part in #NationalPlaylistDay 2026! 

There are many ways to get involved from sharing a social media post, creating your own playlist using our resources, hosting an activity in your community, or encouraging others to discover the benefits of meaningful music.

Here are some suggestions to inspire you: 

  • Take a selfie with your favourite vinyl record, CD, streaming platform screenshot of favourite album or song that means something to you – share it on social media in support of #NationalPlaylistDay and encourage others to do the same.
  • Share your personal playlist on social media. Celebrate 5 years of #NationalPlaylistDay by sharing 5 songs that are on the soundtrack of your life and why. Tag the friends and family they remind you of and share any photos linked to these memories. 
  • Do you work in an office? Get your colleagues involved, why not have a ‘wear a band t-shirt to work’ day on #NationalPlaylistDay to raise awareness.
  • Create a playlist for yourself or someone important in your life. Watch our ‘How to make a playlist’ video to get stared or use our playlist maker on our dedicated #NationalPlaylistDay website.
  • Connect through music by building a group playlist. As well as sharing your own 5 songs, why not bring them together with friends, family, colleagues, or people you support to create one big group soundtrack and share it on social media.
  • Want to go offline? You can request printed #NationalPlaylistDay posters to display in your organisation or local community here.

Become a National Playlist Day Partner:

Could your organisation partner with us to celebrate National Playlist Day in 2026 and help us reach even more people? Contact info@playlistforlife.org.uk to find out more and request our partner pack.

However you choose to get involved, we hope #NationalPlaylistDay encourages you to think about the power of music and its incredible impact for people living with dementia. If you would like to support our work further, you can: 

Thank you for helping to improve the lives of people living with dementia through personal playlists!