Alzheimer's Society restructures to meet growing dementia challenge

As the number of people with dementia rises the charity has reviewed its structure as part of a programme called 'Fit for the Future' to ensure it can extend and expand current services to offer consistent support for people with dementia regardless of their location. The new arrangements will make it easier for Primary Care Trusts and Local Authorities to commission Alzheimer's Society services making them available to a greater number of people.

Ruth Sutherland, Chief Operating Officer, says,

'Alzheimer's Society has grown 70 per cent in the last five years and this unprecedented growth means we need to make changes to ensure we're equipped to meet the challenge that faces us. A million more people will develop dementia in the next ten years we must respond to this increasing demand with a co-ordinated, joined up, Society.

'The National Dementia Strategy for England and similar developments in Wales and Northern Ireland could radically improve the lives of people with dementia. The Fit for the Future programme will enable us to play a key role in these developments.

As part of the Fit for the Future programme 240 branches will be consolidated into 49 locations, creating 435 new jobs to be phased in from April 2010. There are 311 people whose roles are currently under review but the majority of these people will automatically be able to move into the new positions. The programme also includes a review of the organisation's volunteering structure.

Ruth Sutherland continues,

'Volunteers have been at the heart of Alzheimer's Society for 30 years and will continue to make an essential contribution to our success. The Fit for the Future programme will provide a wider range of volunteering opportunities so that people can make a difference in their local community.'