Nationwide is to pilot dementia clinics in its branches ahead of rolling out a programme nationally to tackle the disease.

The society’s initiative, which will first pilot in clinics across Wiltshire, will aim to help more than 100,000 people living with dementia across 200 branches.

Around a million people are living with dementia in the UK today, according to the Alzheimer’s Research UK Dementia Statistics Hub. The figure is set to increase to 1.6 million by 2040, with the annual cost to the UK economy expected to rise to £90bn by 2040.

In partnership with specialist dementia nursing charity, Dementia UK, Nationwide is funding 30 admiral nurses to bring specialist health and financial support to the high street, as well as also provide help through the charity’s dedicated helpline.

“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,” Nationwide CEO, Debbie Crosbie, said.

“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.”

CEO at Dementia UK, Dr. Hilda Hayo, added: “Nationwide’s backing, network and expertise will help us deliver practical and emotional face-to-face support across the country in their branches, helping us bring specialist dementia care to more people than ever through our admiral nurses.

“With the number of people living with dementia in the UK set to exceed one million in the next year, this timely partnership will be crucial as we increase our services and reach to ensure no one faces dementia alone.”

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