Alzheimer’s Society National Helpline goes beyond 9 to 5 for people concerned about dementia

Alzheimer's Society's National Dementia Helpline will be answering calls at weekends and moving to a new low-cost telephone number of 0300 222 1122. £500,000 funding from Tesco with additional support from the February Foundation has enabled dementia advisers to offer support and guidance to people affected by dementia at weekends for the first time. Three new dementia advisers have joined the service to ensure that no call goes unanswered.

Through the National Dementia Helpline, skilled dementia advisers provide specialist advice and information on all forms of dementia, along with emotional support. In 2011, the National Dementia Helpline handled more than 21,600 enquiries, but was struggling to keep up with growing demand. The number of calls received has risen by 19 per cent since 2010, so the money will help another 50,000 calls to be answered over five years.

Megan Cruise, Advice Service Manager at Alzheimer's Society said:

'We know the helpline is a lifeline for many people who are concerned about dementia but don't know where else to turn. We're extremely grateful for this funding and support from Tesco and February Foundation which will help us to reach more people who are worried about their own or a loved one's memory.'

Josh Hardie, Head of Corporate Responsibility at Tesco said:

'We are delighted to be funding the Alzheimer's Society National Dementia Helpline so the charity can extend the opening hours and open at weekends. It's thanks to our passionate staff and customers, who raised funds when Alzheimer's Society was our charity of the year, that we are able to donate this money and help many more people affected by dementia.'

Notes to editors

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than ten years 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 supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline. The number is 0300 222 11 22, or visit alzheimers.org.uk
  

Tesco

• Since 1988, Tesco has chosen a different charity every year to be the focus for staff fundraising.  Tesco Charity Trust then tops up staff fundraising by 20% up to a maximum top up of £500,000. www.tesco.com
• It is this £500,000 donation from the Tesco Charity Trust that will fund Alzheimer's Society's helpline extension for five years
• The partnership raised £7.6 million over the year. All funds raised will help build a better future for people with dementia through the following projects:
• The Dementia Community Roadshows which have been visiting Tesco car parks all around the UK from June 2011. They help bring people worried about their memory one step closer to achieving a diagnosis by encouraging them to visit their GP and providing them with information about dementia
  After diagnosis, the Dementia Support Services help isolated families get the specialist care and advice they need
• Two vital dementia scientists are conduct groundbreaking research into the disease and increase our understanding of possible life-changing treatments and support
  

February Foundation

Since 2006, the February Foundation has supported a range of charities, including organisations which help people with mental and physical disabilities to improve their lives.
The Foundation's maximum £175,000 matched funding donation over five years is specifically towards the extension of the Alzheimer's Society's helpline at weekends.