Our partnership with Well Pharmacy to strengthen dementia support across community pharmacy

Building greater understanding around dementia

The partnership will focus on helping community pharmacy teams build greater confidence and understanding around dementia, while improving awareness of the advice, services and support available to patients, carers and families affected by the condition.

Through pharmacist and colleague training, Dementia Friends activity, community engagement and improved signposting, the collaboration aims to help make everyday interactions within pharmacy settings more informed, supportive and accessible.

Improving signposting to dementia support services

The initiative forms part of a wider programme of activity focused on colleague engagement, community awareness, fundraising and improving signposting to dementia support services through pharmacy settings.

Andrew Caplan, Chief Retail Officer at Well Pharmacy, said:

'Community pharmacy teams support people affected by dementia every single day, often through trusted relationships built over many years at the heart of local communities.

For many patients, carers and families, pharmacy teams are familiar faces they see regularly and people they know they can turn to for advice and reassurance. Teams provide support during what can often be one of the most difficult and emotional periods of their lives.'

A kind conversation, a moment of patience or simply feeling recognised and understood can make an enormous difference to somebody affected by dementia. That is why we are so proud to be partnering with Alzheimer’s Society.

'Through initiatives such as Dementia Friends, we want to help our colleagues feel even more confident supporting people affected by dementia, while encouraging greater understanding, compassion and awareness within the communities we serve.

As community pharmacies, we are in a unique position to help people feel supported, understood and able to access help close to home, and we hope this partnership will make a meaningful difference to patients, carers and families across the UK.'

The growing role of community pharmacy

Well Pharmacy operates around 650 pharmacies across the UK and supports millions of patients every year through prescription services, vaccinations, health checks, weight management services and expert healthcare advice. 

The business also supports NHS initiatives such as Pharmacy First, helping patients access advice and treatment for common conditions directly from community pharmacies without needing to see a GP.

The partnership reflects the growing role community pharmacy plays within the wider NHS focus on accessible, preventative and community based healthcare, particularly as demand continues to grow for support closer to home.

Michelle Dyson CB, Chief Executive Officer of Alzheimer’s Society, said: 

We are delighted to be partnering with Well Pharmacy to help improve awareness and understanding of dementia within communities across the UK.

When dementia changes your life, getting the right support can make all the difference.

'Community pharmacy teams are often one of the most accessible healthcare touchpoints for people affected by dementia and their carers. By working together, we hope to reach even more people who need practical advice, emotional support and guidance for the best next step.'

The partnership will also support colleague volunteering, fundraising and awareness activity across Well Pharmacy’s national network as both organisations work together to improve support for people affected by dementia.