Pioneering Sussex dementia charity issues urgent plea for community cash support as demand for services soars - along with its running costs
A pioneering West Sussex dementia charity based near Chichester has issued an urgent plea to residents, businesses and supporters, for cash support – as demand for its vital services soars.
Although Sage House based at Tangmere has seen a boost in fundraising this year, this has not kept pace with a huge leap in its running costs and a dramatic rise in demand from families for its services.
It has encouraged everyone to make a donation during its Christmas Appeal running in December when every gift will be doubled through match funding. Full details can be found on its website.
According to the charity, during the past year, nearly 4,000 people have accessed support through Sage House, which provides practical advice, guidance, respite care and opportunities for connection to people living with dementia and their families. This is an increase of a fifth over the previous 12 months.
It says that while fundraising income grew during the 2025-26 financial year, this growth has not kept pace with the increasing demand for services and the rising costs of delivering them.
"As an independent charity, Sage House relies heavily on the generosity of individuals, businesses, community groups, charitable trusts and foundations to sustain its work. About three-quarters of its annual income comes from fundraising, with only a small proportion provided through statutory funding,” they said in a media release.
In my capacity as High Sheriff of West Sussex as well as Editor At Large of Sussex World, I am well aware of the ground-breaking and life-changing work of Sage House. Which is why I made it one of my special charities this year. Two major events in the summer helped bring in thousands of pounds.
One of these, held at the Goodwood Art Foundation included a special talk by Sussex World’s arts editor Phil Hewitt on what the many stars he has interviewed were really like.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars were so impressed by the work of Sage House that they also made it their House Charity – extending it to two years for the first time ever.
The luxury car company said at the time: “Although some local good causes have been the marque’s House Charity more than once, this is the first time in the history of the programme, which was launched in 2003, that Rolls-Royce has supported the same House Charity two years running.”
The charity is also facing significant increases in the cost of delivering its services. A spokesperson said that this was particularly staffing, alongside rising utilities and operational costs. “At the same time, the fundraising environment remains challenging, with increased competition for grants and financial pressures affecting both businesses and individual supporters.”
Philippa Nesbit, Chair of Trustees said: “Like many charities, we are facing significant financial pressures at a time when the demand for support continues to increase. Charitable donations are now more crucial than ever in helping Sage House remain a lifeline for local people living with dementia.”
In December, the charity launches its Christmas Double Up Appeal, where donations will be matched by generous match funders. "The generosity of our local community will help ensure that local people living with dementia, and the families who care for them, continue to have somewhere to turn for expert advice, practical support and meaningful connection when they need it most.”