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Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) Resources​​​
Training, Manuals, Guides & Home-Based Support (Updated 2026)
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Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is one of the most extensively researched and evidence-based non-drug interventions for people living with mild to moderate dementia. Recommended in UK clinical guidance, CST uses themed activities, discussion, reminiscence, music and problem-solving to stimulate thinking, improve communication and promote wellbeing in an enjoyable social setting.
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A standard CST programme is usually delivered twice a week over seven weeks (14 sessions), with opportunities for ongoing Maintenance CST (MCST) or Individual CST (iCST) delivered one-to-one at home.
The organisations below represent some of the UK's leading sources of CST manuals, facilitator training, community programmes and home-based resources.
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🌍 International Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) Centre – University College London (UCL)
 
The International CST Centre at University College London (UCL) is widely recognised as the global authority on Cognitive Stimulation Therapy. It has led much of the research underpinning CST and continues to develop best practice, publish official resources and support implementation around the world.
 
What they provide
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  • 📚 Official CST manuals and facilitator guides.
  • 🌍 Adapted and translated CST materials for international use.
  • 🔬 Research publications and evidence summaries.
  • 🎓 Information on CST education and implementation.
  • 🤝 Guidance for organisations establishing CST services.
 
The “Making a Difference” series
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The Centre publishes the internationally recognised Making a Difference manuals:
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  • Making a Difference 1 – the core Group CST programme containing structured themed sessions and facilitator guidance.
  • Making a Difference 2 – Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) for ongoing weekly sessions after the initial course.
  • Making a Difference 3 – Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (iCST) designed for family carers and support workers to deliver one-to-one activities at home.
 
Why it matters
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The International CST Centre has helped establish CST as one of the world's leading psychosocial interventions for dementia and remains the benchmark for evidence-based practice.
 
Contact details
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🧠 Memory Matters (Plymouth)
 
Memory Matters is a specialist dementia charity and social enterprise with many years of experience delivering Cognitive Stimulation Therapy and training facilitators across the UK.
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What they provide
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  • 🎓 Accredited-style CST facilitator training.
  • 💻 Flexible online learning with lifetime access.
  • 👥 Live Zoom and face-to-face courses.
  • 📋 Practical implementation guidance and session planning.
  • 🏡 Support for care homes, community groups and healthcare providers.
 
Their approach
 
Training combines evidence-based CST principles with practical advice on communication, person-centred care and activity delivery, enabling facilitators to create engaging and enjoyable sessions for people living with dementia.
 
Why it matters
 
Memory Matters bridges the gap between research and practice, equipping professionals and organisations with the skills to establish high-quality CST programmes in real-world settings.
 
Contact details
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👥 Age UK
 
Many local Age UK organisations provide Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) alongside dementia-friendly community activities designed to help people remain mentally active and socially connected after completing an initial CST programme.
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What they provide
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  • 🧩 Maintenance CST groups.
  • ☕ Memory cafés and friendship groups.
  • 👥 Dementia-friendly discussion sessions.
  • 🤝 Advice and support for carers.
  • 📍 Local signposting to community dementia services.
 
Typical activities
 
Programmes commonly include:
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  • Music and singing.
  • Quizzes and word games.
  • Current affairs discussions.
  • Creative arts and crafts.
  • Reminiscence sessions.
  • Gentle cognitive exercises and social interaction.
 
Why it matters
 
By extending cognitive stimulation beyond the standard CST course, Age UK helps many participants maintain confidence, wellbeing and meaningful social connections within their local communities.
 
Contact details
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🌼 ReMind UK
 
ReMind UK (formerly RICE – the Research Institute for the Care of Older People) combines dementia research with practical support services and delivers structured, evidence-based 7-week Cognitive Stimulation Therapy programmes.
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What they provide
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  • 🗓️ Seven-week CST courses for people with mild to moderate dementia.
  • 👥 Small-group sessions led by trained facilitators.
  • 💬 Activities promoting cognition, language and communication.
  • 📚 Post-diagnostic education and wellbeing programmes.
  • 🌿 Support for carers and families.
 
Typical sessions
 
Participants take part in:
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  • Memory and language activities.
  • Themed discussions.
  • Music and singing.
  • Games and puzzles.
  • Creative exercises.
  • Social interaction in a friendly, supportive environment.
 
Why it matters
 
ReMind UK demonstrates how evidence-based CST can be integrated into wider post-diagnostic dementia care, helping participants remain active, confident and engaged.
 
Contact details
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🏡 Simon’s CST Activities
 
Simon’s CST Activities provides a comprehensive collection of free Cognitive Stimulation Therapy-inspired resources for people living with dementia, family carers, activity coordinators and care providers.
The project is particularly aimed at people living with dementia at home who do not have access to an ongoing CST group, helping to bring enjoyable cognitive stimulation into everyday life through accessible and engaging activities.
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What it provides
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  • 🧠 Hundreds of quizzes and brain games.
  • 🎵 Music-based reminiscence and singalongs.
  • 💬 Conversation prompts and discussion topics.
  • 📅 Daily themed activities and awareness-day resources.
  • 📰 Blog articles and downloadable activity materials.
  • 👥 Content suitable for individuals, families, care homes and day centres.
 
Why it matters
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By adapting the principles of CST into easy-to-use activities, Simon’s CST Activities helps reduce isolation and encourages conversation, reminiscence and mental engagement for people who may otherwise have limited access to structured cognitive stimulation.
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Contact details
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🎶 CST Song of the Day
 
CST Song of the Day celebrates the power of music to stimulate memory and conversation. The site features songs chosen to encourage reminiscence and emotional connection through familiar melodies and shared experiences.
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What it provides
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  • 🎤 Daily featured songs.
  • 🎼 Interesting facts about artists and recordings.
  • 💭 Discussion prompts and reminiscence ideas.
  • ❤️ Opportunities for singalongs and shared memories.
  • 🧩 Music-based cognitive stimulation suitable for home or group use.
 
Why it matters
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Music often remains meaningful even when other memories fade. Using familiar songs can help spark conversations, evoke emotions and create enjoyable shared experiences for people living with dementia.
 
Contact details
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📺 Simon’s CST Activities – YouTube
 
The Simon’s CST Activities YouTube channel offers a growing library of free dementia-friendly videos inspired by Cognitive Stimulation Therapy principles.
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What it provides
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  • ❓ Interactive quizzes.
  • 🎵 Music sessions and singalongs.
  • 🖼️ Picture rounds and visual challenges.
  • 💬 Reminiscence and discussion prompts.
  • 📆 Special event and awareness-day programmes.
  • 🏡 Ready-to-use activities for home or group settings.
 
Why it matters
 
The channel is primarily intended for people living with dementia who do not have regular access to an ongoing CST group, as well as family carers, activity coordinators and care homes seeking engaging and accessible activity ideas.
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Contact details
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🏠 Bringing CST into the Home
 
Not everyone living with dementia can attend a formal CST programme. Transport issues, mobility limitations, rural location or limited local provision may make participation difficult.
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Fortunately, many CST principles can be successfully adapted for home use through activities such as:
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  • 🎵 Singing favourite songs.
  • 🖼️ Picture recognition and visual quizzes.
  • 💬 Reminiscence and storytelling.
  • 📰 Current affairs discussions.
  • 🧩 Word games and categorisation tasks.
  • 🎨 Creative projects linked to personal interests.
 
Resources such as iCST, together with free materials from Simon’s CST Activities and CST Song of the Day, enable families and carers to provide enjoyable, meaningful cognitive stimulation between formal appointments or in place of structured groups.
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🌎 At a Glance​
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International CST Centre (UCL)
Official manuals, research and best practice
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/international-cognitive-stimulation-therapy/
 
Memory Matters
CST facilitator training and implementation
https://www.memorymatters.org.uk 
• 01752 243333
• info@memorymatters.org.uk
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Age UK
Maintenance CST, memory cafés and dementia support
https://www.ageuk.org.uk 
• 0800 678 1602
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ReMind UK
Seven-week CST programmes and post-diagnostic support
https://www.reminduk.org 
• 01225 466135
• info@reminduk.org
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Simon’s CST Activities
Free CST-inspired activities, quizzes and discussion resources
www.simondementia.co.uk
 
CST Song of the Day
Music-based reminiscence and daily engagement
www.cstsongoftheday.co.uk
 
Simon’s CST Activities YouTube
Free videos featuring quizzes, music and cognitive stimulation
www.youtube.com/@simondementia
 
 
Conclusion
 
Together, these organisations and resources provide a comprehensive ecosystem for Cognitive Stimulation Therapy in the UK - from internationally recognised manuals and facilitator training to community-based programmes and freely accessible home resources. Whether you are a healthcare professional, family carer or person living with dementia, they offer practical ways to support cognition, communication, reminiscence and quality of life through enjoyable, evidence-informed activities.

About Me

 

Simon O’Donovan MBE is a retired Consultant Nurse who worked in NHS Wales for most of his adult life, supporting people with dementia, their care partners and support staff through managing, developing and improving services to benefit this group. 

 

The main aim of his websites are to share experience and resources freely, so others can dip in and out and use some or all of the free and open access materials provided in their own CST practice. Thus facilitating and supporting the provision of uplifting and enjoyable sessions that optimise people with dementia's quality of life.

This site is not owned by or affiliated to any organisation. It is a personal unpaid commitment with no intention whatsoever of profit-making. However, costs for web package, domain page & YouTube & Spotify subscriptions can be supported via a www.buymeacoffee.com/simondementia donation. 

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Please note that some images are copied from the public domain under the 'fair use copyright' principle, in that they will only be used for educational purposes with disability groups and not be used for profit.

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