Specialist support for people living with dementia is being made more accessible.
Free face-to-face clinics will be held in Hampshire this month, in a partnership between Dementia UK and Nationwide to provide advice and guidance to anyone affected by dementia.
The clinics, led by Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses, will run at Nationwide branches in Farnborough and Shirley on June 17, 18, and 19.
The clinics will offer confidential, personalised support in a comfortable and private setting.
Ruby Guild, Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, said: "We’re looking forward to returning to Hampshire.
"Nationwide branches offer a safe and private space for people to access specialist support for dementia, and the Fairer Futures partnership is helping us bring face-to-face support to people in a familiar location."
The clinics will provide practical and emotional advice on all aspects of dementia, whether individuals are concerned about memory problems, navigating a recent diagnosis, or seeking guidance on financial and legal matters.
Appointments can be booked through the Dementia UK website.
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In advance of the clinics, Dementia UK has offered advice on how to approach conversations about dementia.
The charity suggests using moments when a person becomes upset or frustrated as an opportunity to talk about their symptoms and offer support in seeking help.
Explaining that dementia symptoms can overlap with other conditions may make it less daunting for a person to visit their GP.
Emphasising that early diagnosis can lead to better support may also encourage them to seek medical advice.
The clinics are part of Nationwide’s Fairer Futures programme, which addresses major social issues through partnerships with charities.
The programme includes support for dementia, family poverty, youth homelessness, and cancer.
Debbie Crosbie, chief executive officer of Nationwide, said: "Nationwide wants to help people live their best life possible, for as long as possible.
"By working with Dementia UK to fund more Admiral Nurses and turning our branches into dementia clinics, we’re helping to tackle the country’s leading cause of death.
"As a mutual, we work for the good of society as well as our members.
"We believe this and Nationwide Fairer Futures will change hundreds of thousands of lives for the better."
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