Emotional Southwark Resident Gratefully Responds as Council Reinstates Dementia Support Services

An emotional carer expressed her gratitude through tears as Southwark Council announced the reversal of the decision to close a much-needed dementia advice service. The Southwark Dementia Advisor service, which has been a vital resource in the borough for over 20 years, was set to close on June 30. However, following intervention from the council, it will now reopen in September. This reinstatement comes alongside the preservation of another essential service, The Nest, a highly regarded mental health initiative in Peckham that has positively impacted the lives of thousands of young individuals.

The Nest was facing potential closure in November due to funding shortfalls but has now been safeguarded for the foreseeable future. These announcements were made during the inaugural executive meeting of Southwark Council’s newly formed Green-Lib Dem joint administration on July 20, following Labour’s loss of control in the recent elections.

Personal Testimonies Highlight the Importance of Support Services

During the meeting, Judith, who is the sole carer for her husband diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in November 2022, shared her poignant experience. With tears in her eyes, she addressed the assembly, saying, “You should think of me as one dementia carer out of at least 2,000 in Southwark—many of whom are further along this challenging journey than we are.” Judith recounted that upon her husband’s diagnosis, she received a comprehensive pack of leaflets about dementia but had not been contacted by health professionals since, leaving her unsure where to seek local assistance.

“Web searches and hospital documents never seemed to answer the questions I had. I was surprised at myself because I’ve always been someone who can solve problems independently, but this situation was completely new and daunting. I felt very lost,” she admitted. Judith concluded with heartfelt thanks, emphasising the critical need for the Dementia Advisors: “They are so, so important.”

Commitment to Family-Centred Care

Cllr Rebecca Corn responded to Judith’s testimony, stating, “Dementia affects entire families, not just individuals. Support services provide essential assistance and can be a lifeline. I understand the passion behind this issue; it is about dignity and ensuring that support is available.” Drawing on her own experiences, Cllr Corn highlighted the challenges of accessing services and the fear that comes with uncertainty.

The Nest had previously been fully funded by the council but transitioned to partial NHS funding in 2023. As the funding contract expired in May, discussions with the South East London Integrated Care Board regarding future funding had taken place. However, it was revealed during the meeting that the former Labour administration failed to make arrangements for an extension, which could have ensured the service’s continuation.

Prioritising Youth Mental Health

Cllr Corn reaffirmed the importance of child mental health, stating, “We continue to believe that the NHS is the right long-term partner for this service. The Nest has demonstrated its ability to enhance outcomes for young people, and NHS colleagues increasingly refer young individuals to it.” She added that the priority remains to safeguard the service and facilitate self-referrals without unnecessary delays.

In a poignant moment during the meeting, three young residents from Southwark shared their personal experiences with The Nest, expressing their gratitude for the council’s efforts in saving the service. The Dementia Advisor service is set to reopen with an annual grant of £164,000 for the next four years, which will be allocated to the Alzheimer’s Society starting September 1, 2026.

Future Developments and Inclusivity

Cllr Suzanne Wise, Deputy Executive Member for Adult Services, acknowledged that the grant for the Dementia Advisor service had lapsed under the previous administration, and the new administration became aware of this only recently. “There is clearly a growing demand for dementia services as our population ages, and we are committed to ensuring residents have access to the support they require,” she noted, expressing her satisfaction with the proposals to fund ongoing support.

Cllr Wise also mentioned the intention to enhance the service’s inclusivity, indicating a potential recruitment of a Spanish-speaking Dementia Advisor to better assist the borough’s substantial Latin American community. Cllr Corn expressed her pride in protecting the Dementia Advisor service during Disability Pride Month, underscoring the council’s commitment to supporting its vulnerable residents.

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