A new, major initiative to help people worried about their memory, or residents diagnosed with dementia, their family and friends, called The Fylde Coast Dementia Hub, has been launched in Blackpool.



The dementia hub, which offers people in the Fylde coast with a ‘one-stop shop’ where they can get information, advice and practical support will open its doors to people on Friday afternoon.

Hosted at Trinity Hospice, this joint initiative between Clifton Hospital, Blackpool Dementia Action Alliance, Trinity Hospice and Lancaster University, is being supported by Blackpool Council, The Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK, Blackpool Carers and many other organisations.

Dementia is a collection of symptoms caused by conditions which affect the brain. It affects a person's mental abilities such as memory and thinking as well as their behaviour. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease.

There are currently over 10,000 people in Lancashire who have been diagnosed with dementia, but it is thought that the actual figure of people with the condition could be much higher. This means that thousands of people who could have dementia aren't accessing treatments and support to help them live well with the condition.

This new initiative will seek to build on the existing work of dementia-specialist organisations that already have a strong presence in the area. It will be an important part of providing early intervention and focus on maintaining independence in the community. It will aim to provide advice from the memory clinic, nurses, financial planners, benefits advisors, lawyers, researchers, carer support, as well as a chance to engage with people living with the conditions and their families.

Cllr Christine Wright, Older People’s Champion at Blackpool Council, said: “Dementia doesn’t take favourites – it can affect any of us and can completely change your family’s life.

“The Dementia Hub aims to make life easier for families whose loved ones are suffering from dementia, offering support and advice on coping with the illness. There is no need for your family to cope with dementia on its own – support is out there for you and visiting the dementia hub can help you to live with the illness.”

Dr Penny Foulds, Honorary Researcher at Lancaster University and founder of the Defying Dementia campaign. ‘Research has revealed that early diagnosis can help people and their carers live well with dementia. We recognise people with dementia, and those who care for them, can feel isolated and often don’t know where to turn at what can be a very difficult time. This initiative is about helping our community know where to go for information and services when a diagnosis is made, or even before if they are worried about a loved one. ‘

The Fylde Coast Dementia Hub will be held every month with the next one being Friday 16 June at Trinity Hospice, 2pm – 4pm. Everyone is welcome.