Nationwide Building Society Expands Specialist Dementia Support to Virgin Money Branches
Nationwide, the United Kingdom's largest building society, has announced a significant expansion of its specialist dementia clinics. This initiative will now include branches of Virgin Money, marking a major step in providing accessible support for individuals and families affected by dementia across the country.
Trial Launch in May and June Across Northern England and Scotland
The expansion will begin as a trial in May, with 12 Virgin Money branches located in the North of England and Scotland participating. This trial will increase the total number of branches offering dementia support to 250 throughout the UK. The free clinics are conducted by Admiral Nurses from Dementia UK, offering tailored health, care, and financial guidance both in person and over the telephone.
Charlotte Kensett, Director of Social Impact and Customer Experience at Nationwide, emphasized the society's commitment: "At Nationwide we want to ensure no one faces dementia alone. By expanding into our Virgin Money branches, we hope that more people will get the support they need."
Clinic Locations and Schedule for the Trial Period
The trial clinics are scheduled to take place at specific branches with confirmed dates as follows:
- Sheffield - Thursday, May 7
- Dewsbury - Tuesday, May 12
- Washington - Tuesday, May 12
- Castleford - Wednesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 14
- Stockton, High Street - Tuesday, June 2
- South Shields, Fowler Street - Thursday, June 11
Additional branches in Scotland, including Glenrothes, Inverurie, Baillieston, Livingston, Clydebank, and Hamilton, will also host clinics, though exact dates have not yet been finalized. Nationwide encourages anyone impacted by dementia to visit these branches or contact the dementia helpline at 0800 888 6678 for assistance.
Part of Nationwide's Broader Social Impact Strategy
This expansion is a key component of Nationwide's social impact strategy, known as Fairer Futures. The strategy aims to address some of society's most pressing challenges, including dementia, youth homelessness, family poverty, and cancer support. By integrating these clinics into Virgin Money branches, Nationwide seeks to enhance local access to specialized dementia care.
Dr. Hilda Hayo, Chief Admiral Nurse and Chief Executive at Dementia UK, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: "We are so pleased to be expanding our support to more families with dementia in Virgin Money branches through Nationwide's Fairer Futures programme. To date, the face-to-face clinics have helped thousands of people access vital support in a safe and comfortable environment."
Dr. Hayo further highlighted the critical role of Admiral Nurses, describing them as a lifeline for families navigating the unique challenges of dementia. The collaboration between Nationwide and Dementia UK is set to continue delivering essential support through both Virgin Money and Nationwide branches in the coming months, reinforcing a community-focused approach to healthcare and wellbeing.
