New dementia advice service to start in Sheffield

A brand-new dementia advice service will be launched on 1^st April for people living with dementia and their family carers in Sheffield.

The Dementia Advice Sheffield (DAS) service, delivered by Age UK Sheffield and funded by Sheffield City Council, will be a one-stop shop, first point of contact service to respond to any non-clinical, dementia-related query. Previously available to professionals who work with people living with dementia, the service has been extended to customers and family members following feedback that people don’t know where to go for specialist dementia advice, and are passed from one agency to another.

Age UK Sheffield Chief Executive, Steve Chu, said: “We know that people have a huge range of questions and concerns when they are diagnosed with dementia and as the disease progresses. The range of information given to people, and the choices they need to make, can feel overwhelming. Dementia Advice Sheffield will have specialist advice workers available to respond to people’s initial enquiries and signpost people to the best source of information to meet their specific needs, including resources and services in their local community which can provide ongoing support.”

People can access Dementia Advice Sheffield from 1^st April. Simply call (0114) 250 2875 or e-mail: dementiaadvice@ageuksheffield.org.uk

The new service extends Age UK Sheffield’s dementia provision in the city. In February, their Dementia Wellbeing Centre day service provision grew from their traditional Norfolk Park base to additional sites in Botanical Gardens and Hillsborough. They also deliver specialist groups for people with Early Onset Dementia, a range of dementia cafes, and dementia advice and training for businesses.