People living with dementia in Leicestershire urged not to miss out on vital support

Ahead of Alzheimer’s Society’s annual Memory Walk in Abbey Park, the charity is encouraging people affected by dementia to reach out for support.

A new survey by Alzheimer’s Society found 88% of people affected by the condition in the UK have not sought help from a dementia charity. There are around one million people living with dementia in the UK including more than 74,000 across East Midlands, and the charity says thousands of people are facing the realities alone, without access to vital support.

Alzheimer’s Society provides help and advice for anyone affected by dementia through its support line, online and print information, expert dementia advisers and online community. People surveyed who used the charity’s services, 94% said they received useful information, 95% said their Dementia Adviser understood their needs, while 83% felt more capable of managing and felt less isolated.

To help fund its dementia support services and research, Alzheimer’s Society is hosting 26 Memory Walks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland including one in Abbey Park, Leicester, on Sunday 22 September, with people across East Midlands encouraged to register to take part.

Signed up to take part in her 13th Memory Walk and urging others to get involved this year, is BAFTA award-winning actor and Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador, Vicky McClure MBE.

She said: “I walk in memory of my greatly missed Nonna, Iris, who we lost to dementia in 2015 and also in support of the wonderful singers of my Dementia Choir, who are a source of constant joy and inspiration.

“I always look forward to Memory Walk as the atmosphere is like nothing else. There is so much love in the air and you can’t help but feel lifted up by it. Caring for someone with dementia is really, really hard and yet, on the day, families and carers are able to feel surrounded by others who understand and totally ‘get it’.

“Memory Walk is so worth doing – it’s about raising money for Alzheimer’s Society’s services that are such a lifeline for people living with dementia and their carers, and for research that will, one day, hopefully bring an end to this devastating illness. But it’s also about raising awareness and stamping out any stigma around this disease, which affects a million people in the UK. And of course, you’ll have a great day! You’ll laugh and you’ll cry a little and you’ll feel totally validated and included – it’s just brilliant!”

Kate Lee, Chief Executive Officer for Alzheimer’s Society said: “No one should face dementia alone. Alzheimer’s Society is here for everyone affected by dementia through our support services which people tell us are a lifeline. From a listening ear on the phone to a visit in person and opportunities to connect with others, we’ll be there for you again and again and again, no matter what.

“Memory Walk is such a special event in our calendar, bringing thousands of people together to walk in memory or in celebration of loved ones. Every pound raised will make a huge difference to the lives of people living with dementia, funding vital support and groundbreaking research. Join us and sign up to Memory Walk today.”

This Autumn, join your nearest Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk or organise your own and help to end the devastation caused by dementia. Sign up for free at memorywalk.org.uk