UK-wide tea parties will help to raise funds for families facing dementia
Icing sugar is flying off the supermarket shelves and the kettle is officially on! It can only mean that people are gearing up for one thing: Dementia UK’s annual ‘Time for a Cuppa’ campaign. From 1st-8th March 2018, fundraisers up and down the country will be channelling their inner baker and leaving no teacup unturned as they raise money for Dementia UK’s specialist dementia Admiral Nurses.
A diagnosis of dementia can be a life-changing experience, with people and their families feeling alone and scared as a result. Admiral Nurses provide the specialist dementia support that families need. When things get challenging or difficult, Admiral Nurses work alongside families affected by dementia, giving them one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions, helping families face dementia with more confidence and less fear.
Admiral Nurses have had a positive impact on people like Alison, whose long-term partner Philip has been living with young onset dementia since his early 60’s. Alison said: “It’s so important that I have my Admiral Nurse, Rob, there for me as Philip’s health deteriorates. I trust his opinion implicitly and he understands what I am dealing with on a day-to-day basis. He even supports my initiative to train Jess, a loveable Labrador, as a therapy dog for Philip. Ultimately Rob is an absolutely fantastic listener and I only wish I had found him sooner”.
Funds raised from this year’s baking will help to grow the number of Admiral Nurse services in the UK, helping more families face dementia. It will also help to employ more Admiral Nurses on the Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline which is used by families who do not have direct access to an Admiral Nurse.
Dr. Hilda Hayo, Chief Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, said: “Time for a Cuppa is all about bringing people together over some tea and cake, to talk about experiences, to encourage support and to raise funds for more desperately needed Admiral Nurses. Whether you’re a builder’s tea or an Earl Grey sort, we’re hoping you can join us for a cuppa.”
There are currently 217 Admiral Nurses working across England, Scotland and Wales and Dementia UK’s target is to have 300 in place by 2020.
