HSA helps Alzheimer's Society's helpline on its busiest year!

HSA's £100,000 donation has enabled the charity to manage the cost of this rise in demand, plus employ another part-time advisor.

Neil Hunt, Chief Executive, Alzheimer's Society says:

'This year saw our helpline staff dealing with a massive 24,600 enquiries, which is a 17% increase on last year. HSA's support has helped us meet this demand and support our many callers including carers, family members, people with dementia and care home assistants. We'd like to thank HSA very much for its generous support.'

Nick Bravery, Customer Service Director, HSA says:

'We're so proud to have been able to lend our support to the Alzheimer's Society. We had no idea the sort of difference we could make, and to see what has been achieved, is fantastic! It's very warming to see how our donation has benefited the Dementia Helpline, and most importantly, the people that call it.'

The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with all forms of dementia, their families and carers. The national helpline is open 08.30 - 18.30 from Monday to Friday on 0845 3000 336.

For more information, contact:

HSA

Abby Bowman Public Relations Manager 01264 342561
Caroline Lakeman Public Relations Executive 01264 342570
Email: pr@hsa.co.uk

Alzheimer's Society

Hannah Clack, Alzheimer's Society press office.

Notes for editors

About the Alzheimer's Society

• The Alzheimer's Society provides information and support for those with any form of dementia and their carers. It advises professionals working in the field, funds research, runs quality care services, and campaigns for improved health and social care and greater public understanding of dementia.
• The Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline received 24 600 inquiries from January to December 2006.
• Over 700,00 people in the UK have dementia. More than half have Alzheimer's disease.
• Dementia affects one in 20 people over the age of 65 and one in five over the age of 80.
• There are 18,000 people in the UK under the age of 65 with dementia.
• For information and advice on Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia call the Alzheimer's Society national helpline on 0845 300 0336.
• Our website address is: http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

About HSA

• HSA is a trading division of Simplyhealth Access and is a provider of Cash Plans and Private Medical Insurance
• Part of the Simplyhealth Group, Simplyhealth Access is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
• HSA Cash Plans provide a funding solution to help meet the cost of everyday healthcare. HSA Personal Medical Plans provide private medical cover for treatment in the UK. HSA also provides solutions for the corporate healthcare market.
• As of December 2005 HSA had 823,000 customers providing cover for some 1,650,000 people. Simplyhealth Access covers some 2.25 million people.
• Further information on the company is available at http://www.hsa.co.uk/ or contact 0800 08 54321.