Specialist dementia clinics returning to Clydebank

The free face-to-face clinics, run by Dementia UK in partnership with Nationwide Building Society, will be held at several Nationwide branches across Scotland throughout July.

Clinics offering confidential, in-person support from Dementia UK’s specialist Admiral Nurses, will be held in Clydebank on July 14 and 15.

There were all be clinics held in Glasgow Byres Road on July 16, as well as Motherwell on July , Hamilton on July 28 and 29, Livingston on July 23 and Corstorphine on July 21 and 22.

Lesley Potter, admiral nurse at Dementia UK, said: "We’re looking forward to returning to Scotland 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."

The clinics are open to anyone affected by dementia and can be booked through Dementia UK’s website.

They offer advice on all aspects of dementia, from concerns about early symptoms to support following a diagnosis and managing changing needs as the condition progresses.

Nearly one million people are estimated to be living with dementia in the UK, and more people than ever before are caring for loved ones with the condition.

Dementia UK is encouraging carers to look after their own wellbeing and has shared a series of tips, including reaching out to family and friends for help, finding support services, requesting a Carer’s Assessment from social services and taking time for themselves.

The charity also advises carers to maintain their relationship with the person they care for by enjoying activities together and to speak with their employer about flexible working if they are in employment.

Nationwide’s support for the clinics forms part of its Fairer Futures social impact strategy, which focuses on addressing major UK social challenges through partnerships with key charities.

These include Action for Children, Centrepoint, Dementia UK and The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

As part of the programme, Nationwide is funding 30 dementia specialist Admiral Nurses and hosting clinics in more than 230 of its branches across the UK.

Twelve Virgin Money branches in the North of England and Scotland will also trial the clinics, raising the total number of sites to 250.

Charlotte Kensett, director of customer experience and social impact for 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."

Appointments at the clinics must be booked in advance through Dementia UK’s website.