Dementia UK brings specialist support to Northern Ireland with FREE Admiral Nurse Clinics

Ruby Guild, Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK

Dementia UK is set to offer vital support to families and individuals affected by dementia through a series of free, face-to-face clinics across Northern Ireland in April.

Hosted by the charity’s specialist Admiral Nurses, the clinics will take place at Nationwide branches in Belfast, Lisburn, Carrickfergus, Glengormley, and Ballymena, providing tailored guidance in a safe and private setting.

The initiative, part of Nationwide’s Fairer Futures social impact programme, aims to address the challenges of dementia by offering practical and emotional advice on all aspects of the condition.

From concerns about memory problems to understanding a diagnosis, navigating its progression, or tackling financial and legal issues, the clinics are open to anyone impacted by dementia, whether personally or through a loved one.

Clinics in Lisburn and Belfast took place earlier this month. The upcoming clinics are scheduled as follows:

• Carrickfergus, 14 Market Place BT38 7AW – 15th, 16th, and 17th April

• Glengormley, 310 Antrim Road, Newtownabbey BT36 5FJ – 22nd and 23rd April

• Ballymena, 70 Wellington Street BT43 6AF – 29th and 30th April, and 1st May

Appointments can be booked via Dementia UK’s website, ensuring confidential and personalised support from trained professionals.

Ahead of the clinics, Dementia UK has shared expert advice from its Admiral Nurses on how to approach difficult conversations about dementia with loved ones.

With someone developing the condition every three minutes in the UK, and timely diagnosis often proving challenging, these tips aim to empower families to take proactive steps.

Tackling Tough Conversations: Admiral Nurse Guidance

1. Act – If a loved one becomes upset or frustrated, use this as an opportunity to gently discuss any symptoms they may be experiencing and explore whether they would like help seeking professional advice.

   
   

2. Explain – Highlight that memory issues or other symptoms could stem from various causes, not just dementia. Framing a GP visit as a way to seek clarity, rather than a direct pursuit of a dementia diagnosis, can feel less intimidating and encourage action.

   
   

3. Support – Offer practical help, such as arranging a GP appointment or attending it with them. Keeping a symptom diary can also assist healthcare professionals in making an accurate and timely diagnosis.

Ruby Guild, an Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming clinics.

“We’re looking forward to returning to Northern Ireland,” she said. “Nationwide branches offer a safe and private space for people to access specialist support for dementia, and the Fairer Futures partnership is helping us bring face-to-face support to people in a familiar location.”

The clinics are a key component of Nationwide’s collaboration with Dementia UK, which includes funding 30 Admiral Nurse posts and hosting 200 pop-up clinics across the UK. The Fairer Futures programme also supports partnerships with Centrepoint for youth homelessness and Action for Children for family poverty, reflecting Nationwide’s commitment to addressing major social issues.

Debbie Crosbie, Chief Executive Officer of Nationwide, emphasised the broader impact of the initiative.

“Nationwide wants to help people live their best life possible, for as long as possible,” she said. “By working with Dementia UK to fund more Admiral Nurses and turning our branches into dementia clinics, we’re helping to tackle the country’s leading cause of death.

“As a mutual, we work for the good of society as well as our members. We believe this and Nationwide Fairer Futures will change hundreds of thousands of lives for the better.”

Dementia remains a pressing public health challenge, with its impact felt by countless families across the UK. The return of these clinics to Northern Ireland underscores the importance of accessible, specialist support in helping individuals navigate the complexities of the condition.

By offering a welcoming environment and expert guidance, Dementia UK and Nationwide are making a tangible difference to communities throughout the region.

To book a confidential appointment with an Admiral Nurse, visit Dementia UK’s website.