Driving the message of dementia support in Sussex

Fifty community transport minibuses and volunteer cars will be wrapped in Carers Support West Sussex and Alzheimer’s Society branding to highlight support services for those affected by dementia in the county.

The initiative is part of the West Sussex Joint Dementia Strategy. Contact details for the two organisations will also be included on each community transport vehicle.

With rates of dementia in West Sussex set to increase, Carers Support West Sussex and Alzheimer’s Society have joined forces to raise awareness of the support on offer. There are currently more than 16,000 people with dementia in West Sussex and this is set to rise to 22,000 by 2030.

The first branded vehicles will set off from Community Transport Sussex's site in Crawley during December.

Matt Roberts, CEO of Community Transport Sussex said: “We are delighted to work with Carers Support West Sussex and Alzheimers Society in spreading message of support out to all corners of the county, using our vehicles and those of other local voluntary car schemes.”

People passing the vehicles will be able to scan a QR code to go directly to West Sussex’s Connect to Support website, which includes details about accessing a memory assessment.

Carers Support West Sussex has nearly 30,000 carers registered, with 5,200 supporting someone affected by dementia. In the UK, a silent army of 1.8 million friends and relatives save the UK economy £13.9 billion per year in unpaid care.

Caring for someone with dementia can put a huge strain on a person’s finances, physical and mental health, whilst straining relationships with other family members. An unpaid carer also needs support, so they can continue enabling their cared for to live well with dementia.

Alzheimer’s Society is a vital source of support and a powerful force for change for everyone affected by dementia.

Ryan Tyler, Dementia Connect Local Service Manager for Alzheimer’s Society in West Sussex added: “Caring for someone with dementia can be rewarding. It can also be tough and isolating at times, but help is available here.

“We want everyone affected by dementia in West Sussex to know that whoever you are, whatever you are going through, you can turn to Alzheimer’s Society for practical advice, emotional support, and guidance. That is why increasing visibility of our work locally is so important.

“Life does not end with a diagnosis of dementia and with the right support people can continue to live fulfilling lives. Our Carers Support Groups allows them to socialise and share experiences. Often if one person is dealing with a particular situation or challenge, it’s likely someone else has already dealt with it.”

To find out more about Alzheimer’s Society services contact our phoneline on 0333 150 3456 or visit alzheimers.org.uk.