Specialist dementia clinics are being held in a number of South West towns in the coming weeks to support individuals and families.
Dementia UK and Nationwide have teamed up to offer free, face-to-face clinic appointments across this and other regions.
The clinics, led by Dementia UK’s admiral nurses, offer practical and emotional guidance on all aspects of dementia, from initial concerns and diagnosis through to long-term care planning and wellbeing support.
The clinics are open to anyone impacted by dementia, providing an opportunity to talk confidentially with a trained nurse about the challenges they face.
Lesley Potter, an admiral nurse at Dementia UK, said: "We’re looking forward to returning to the South West to offer support and advice to families affected by dementia in the area.
Since the launch of our clinic programme, in partnership with Nationwide Building Society, we have been able to support thousands of people across the country with the lifeline of an admiral nurse, helping to ensure no one faces dementia alone."
In Somerset, clinics are taking place throughout June at branches in Bath, Burnham-on-Sea, Weston-super-Mare, and Taunton.
Appointments can be booked at dementiauk.org/information-and-support/how-we-can-support-you/admiral-nurse-clinics/nationwide/?misc=media, and take place in a private, comfortable setting at selected Nationwide branches.
Dementia UK has also shared advice for carers on how to look after their own health and wellbeing, stressing the importance of reaching out to friends and family for support, researching available services, and taking time for themselves.
The charity highlights the importance of finding enjoyable activities to share with the person they care for, maintaining a connection beyond the demands of daily care.
For working carers, Dementia UK recommends discussing caring responsibilities with employers to explore flexible working options and additional support.
The partnership is part of Nationwide’s Fairer Futures programme, a social impact strategy addressing major societal challenges through charity collaborations.
As part of the programme, Nationwide is funding 30 admiral nurses and hosting clinics in more than 230 branches nationwide.
Twelve Virgin Money branches in the North of England and Scotland are also piloting the scheme, expanding the UK-wide clinic network to 250 locations.
Charlotte Kensett, director of customer experience and social impact at Nationwide, said: "Dementia impacts millions of families, and that’s why we’re incredibly proud to have brought life-changing support into 230 of our branches and helped more than 30,000 people through our partnership with Dementia UK.
As a mutual, we believe we have a role to play in strengthening the communities we serve and supporting those most in need.
Through our social impact strategy, Nationwide Fairer Futures, we’re committed to changing hundreds of thousands of lives for the better."
Additional clinics are also scheduled for branches across the country, with dates and locations published on the Dementia UK website.
According to the charity, nearly one million people are currently living with dementia in the UK.
Many are cared for by friends or family members, making accessible, professional support crucial for both individuals and their loved ones.
Admiral nurses provide specialised care and guidance, not only for those living with dementia but also for those who support them every day.
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