Group created to raise £50,000 for specialist dementia nurse
A NEW fund-raising group in Charnwood aims to raise £50,000 in one year for a specialist dementia nurse in the area.
And it will look to collect the same amount of money each subsequent year to keep the service going.
The ‘Admiral Nurses for Leicestershire’ group has come together to get those affected by dementia “the specialist support that they need”.
Admiral nurses are specialist dementia nurses provided by the charity Dementia UK.
They work alongside people with dementia and their families when things get challenging. They give one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions they need to face dementia with more confidence and less fear.
Gwyn Jones, from Admiral Nurses for Leicestershire, said: “Caring for a family member or friend with dementia can be devastating. The right help can prove the difference between coping and not coping.
“That is why we need an admiral nurse service in Leicestershire, to give families affected by dementia the specialist support that they need.”
The fundraising group officially launched on Saturday (July 29) at an Open Day at Cedar Mews Care Home, Birstall.
Members introduced the group to the community and spoke with Edward Argar, the Conservative MP for Charnwood, Rashmikant Joshi, the Lord Mayor of Leicester, and Charnwood Borough Councillors.
The group is now inviting residents to help with their cause by:
• Visiting www.dementiauk.org and learning more about the organisation
• Donating to www.justgiving. com/ fundraising/ LeicestershireFundraisingGroup
• And following the Facebook page @dementiaUKforLeicestershire
Hilda Hayo, CEO of Dementia UK and chief admiral nurse, said: “We know that living with dementia can be a difficult and lonely experience.
“The support of an admiral nurse is a lifeline for families affected by dementia and the invaluable support of the Leicestershire fundraising group will mean we can provide this vital, life-changing support to even more families who need it.”
Those interested in joining Admiral Nurses for Leicestershire are asked to email leicestershirefundraisinggroup@gmail.com
And anyone with questions or concerns about dementia can contact the Dementia UK national admiral nurse dementia helpline on 0800 888 6678, or email helpline@ dementiauk.org
The service is available, weekdays 9am-9pm and weekends 9am-5pm. It is staffed by admiral nurses.