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.'

Notes to editors:

• Alzheimer's Society has 1,800 employees and more than 5,000 volunteers.
• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.  
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to help people live well with dementia today and for research to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting www.alzheimers.org.uk 
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit www.alzheimers.org.uk
  

Press Office 0207 423 3595 Email: press@alzheimers.org.uk