New free dementia support service launched for Leicestershire people
A new service has started up to support Leicestershire people experiencing memory problems, those living with dementia, and family members and carers.
People affected by dementia across Leicester and Leicestershire can now access a new free support service from the Alzheimer’s Society, offering information, advice and personalised help before diagnosis, after diagnosis and throughout their dementia journey.
The Leicester and Leicestershire Dementia Support Service, commissioned by the city and county councils, will support people experiencing memory problems, people living with dementia, and family members and carers.
A key part of the offer is Waiting Well support, helping people access information and emotional support while memory assessments, investigations or test results are ongoing, rather than facing uncertainty alone.
Dementia Advisers can help people understand memory problems and dementia, navigate the assessment process, maintain independence and wellbeing, plan for the future, and connect with other local services.
The service also aims to make support more accessible. Across Leicestershire, the service reflects the county’s rurality, geographic spread, demographic profile, and lower dementia diagnosis rates and will use outreach and partnership working to help address rural isolation and access barriers.
People can contact the service directly, and referrals can also be made by health, care, community and voluntary-sector professionals.
Natasha Mort, regional services manager at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Waiting for answers about memory problems can be an uncertain and worrying time, but people should not have to wait for a formal diagnosis before they can ask for help.
“Through our new Leicester and Leicestershire Dementia Support Service, people can access free information, practical guidance and emotional support at every stage of their journey, whether they are worried about their memory, living with dementia or caring for someone.
“We want this service to reach every community, including people who can face extra barriers to support because of language, culture, rural isolation or a lack of local connections.
“By working with health, care, faith, community and voluntary-sector partners, we can help more people find the right support at the right time.
“No one should have to face dementia alone. If you need advice or simply do not know where to begin, please get in touch.”
More than 15,000 people across Leicester and Leicestershire are estimated to be living with dementia.
Councillor Michael Squires, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for adult social care, said: “We’re really pleased to launch this new service, which was designed with our residents, and will not only support people with a pre, peri or post diagnosis of dementia, but their family and carers too.
“As well as tailored support, there are also a range of friendly and engaging activity groups, support groups, and opportunities for people living with dementia and their carers across Leicester and Leicestershire to socialise together to support their wellbeing.”
Call 0116 231 6939 or email [email protected] to contact the Leicester and Leicestershire Dementia Support Service.
Advice is always available at alzheimers.org.uk on the charity’s website.