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If you or someone you care about is living with dementia, it’s important to know that help is available across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.
Dementia can affect memory, thinking and daily life and every person’s experience is different. Whether you're newly diagnosed, a carer, or simply looking for advice, local health and care services are working together to make sure you can get the support you need, when you need it.
Click on the following headings to find out more about the different services available
We're working with GP practices in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin to help them better understand and support people living with dementia.
In the short video at the bottom of this page, George Rook, who lives with dementia and leads our Dementia Steering Group, shares his experiences and helpful tips.
If you're worried about a friend or a family member’s memory, encourage them to make an appointment with their GP for a check-up and support.
After a dementia diagnosis, you will usually be assigned a Dementia Link Worker.
Dementia Link Workers are part of the support available through your local memory service. They work closely with GPs and the Alzheimer’s Society to provide guidance, information and links to local services and peer support groups.
This support is designed to help you and your family adjust, plan ahead and find the right help when you need it.
If you have questions or haven’t heard from a Link Worker after diagnosis, you can speak to your GP or the Alzheimer’s Society for more information.
Peer groups bring together people living with dementia to connect, share experiences and support one another. These friendly, informal groups offer a space to chat, take part in activities and stay socially engaged.
Dementia Link Workers, in partnership with Admiral Nurses and the Councils, help people stay connected to their communities through these groups and other local activities.
They support peer groups by:
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Bringing people together within local primary care networks
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Encouraging continued connection after Cognitive Stimulation sessions
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Helping arrange suitable meeting venues and keeping people informed about dates
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Setting up simple ways for group members to stay in touch, like WhatsApp
These groups play an important role in helping people with dementia feel supported, understood and part of their community. Speak to your Dementia Link Worker, GP, or the Alzheimer’s Society to find out what’s available in your area.
Move To Thrive - a new project for people with dementia and their carers
There’s a new service for people with dementia and their carers thanks to the Move to Thrive project, which has been funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and includes:
Group Movement to Music sessions especially for people with dementia and their carers
Led by a qualified instructor, with social time and refreshments. Just £5 per person with dementia per session (carers free).
Every Tuesday 10.45am to 12noon and every Thursday 1.30pm to 2.45pm
At Oakengates Rest Rooms, Oakengates
Booking essential via 01743 360641 or enquiries@community-resource.org.uk
Support workers
If the person with dementia and their carer needs some support to get to the group Movement to Music sessions initially, contact us to find out about support available by trained support workers, via 01743 360641 or enquiries@community-resource.org.uk Bookings can be made as a referral or self-referral.
Activity session in your home
A bespoke Movement to Music activity session is also available for people with dementia and their carers in their own home, who cannot access group sessions. Just £5 for the one session with the person with dementia and their carers. Bookings can be made as a referral or self-referral. To find out more contact 01743 360641 or enquiries@community-resource.org.uk
Activity sessions for people early onset dementia
Activity sessions are also available for people with a diagnosis of early onset dementia. Early-onset dementia, also known as young-onset dementia, is dementia that develops in a person before they reach the age of 65 years old. To find out more contact 01743 360641 or enquiries@community-resource.org.uk
Volunteers
We are looking for volunteers as part of the Move to Thrive project, to greet and support the people with dementia and their carers who attend the group Movement to Music sessions on a rota basis. Anyone interested should contact Sue Chalk at Community Resource, via sue.chalk@community-resource.org.uk or 01743 342168.
Training courses
As part of the Move to Thrive project there’s a host of training to sustain its legacy, including a range of courses for staff, health professionals, carers and Move to Thrive project volunteers. For details about these training courses please email healthimprovement@telford.gov.uk
For more details please visit the project webpage via https://healthytelford.com/move-to-thrive/
Our Dementia Multidisciplinary Team is currently in development, with plans underway to ensure a fully integrated and comprehensive service. More information will be available soon.
Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses supported by Dementia UK.
They provide life-changing support to families affected by all types of dementia, offering expert guidance during complex times and key transitions.
Their work focuses on supporting both people living with dementia and their families or carers, taking time to understand each family's unique experience.
Admiral Nurses offer a service unlike any other, helping to ensure families receive the right support at the right time.
In Telford and Wrekin, there are currently three Admiral Nurses, and in Shropshire, there are four, all working closely with families and local health and social care teams.
To find out more about Admiral Nurse support, speak to your GP or health professional about a referral. You can also contact the Admiral Nurse Helpline:
- Dementia UK Admiral Nurse helpline number is 0800 888 6678.
- Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Admiral Nurse team - 0333 358 4584
Watch the video at the bottom of this page to find out more.
The Dementia Assessment and Support Service (DASS) is a specialist service that provides assessment and support for individuals showing signs of dementia or who have already received a diagnosis.
This service is for people over the age of 40+ where there are concerns about a progressive change in their memory and/or their daily functioning, e.g. memory, language or attention problems, or experiencing personality or behavioural changes, which is felt to be related to the onset of Dementia.
The focus of the service is to determine whether or not a person has dementia and if they do, which type. We will then work with the person and their support network in order to develop a care plan to meet their current and future needs.
If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be experiencing the onset of dementia, please speak to your GP in the first instance who will then help you decide if you need a referral to the service.
Home Treatment Service
The focus of this service is for those living with dementia whose needs are changing which requires specialist dementia multi-professional advice and involvement. We will work with the person and their support network during this period of change to develop a care plan that meets their needs, with a view to involving wider services to continue to support the person in the longer term.
If you have dementia, you can create a Living Plan, to help you and your support network make the most of life.
A Living Plan will document your preferences, such as:
- What you enjoy
- What really matters to you
So that you can:
- Live your life as you want to
- Do the things that you want to do
To request a Living Plan, please speak to the Dementia Assessment and Support Service, your Dementia Link Worker (Alzheimer’s Society) or Admiral Nurses.
Replacement care is temporary care that means the person's main carer can have a break from caring.
Examples of replacement care include:
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A volunteer spending a few hours with the person you care for.
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A short stay in a care home.
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Attending a local day centre.
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A paid care worker visiting the home to provide support.
To arrange replacement care, the first step is for the person being cared for to have a care needs assessment*.
If you are interested in getting an assessment, contact:
For Telford and Wrekin - TWC Family Connect on 01952 385 385 or visit Live Well Telford.
For Shropshire - First Point of Contact – for information and to book a care needs assessment – 0345 678 9044
*Funding for replacement care is typically means-tested, with the person receiving care potentially being responsible for paying.
Support for Carers in Shropshire
Our Carer Support Practitioners are here to help you explore the best options for your caring role. They offer personalised support to make sure you’re not alone on your journey.
Here’s how we can help:
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One-to-one support – We’ll work with you to understand your needs and, if needed, refer you to other organisations for the right support.
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A listening ear – Call our support line for someone to talk to, help you find a way forward, or simply to feel heard - 01743 341995
(Open Mon/Wed/Thurs/Fri: 9am–5pm, Tues: 9am–7.30pm, Sat: 9.30am–12pm) -
Tailored information and advice – Get guidance that’s specific to your situation.
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Regular check-in calls – We'll stay in touch to see how you're doing.
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Support with planning ahead – Helping you access the right information at the right time.
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Peer support groups – Join others in similar situations, either online or in person.
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Updates on events and activities – Opportunities to learn new skills and meet others.
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Carer Register – Sign up to receive important updates quickly. You’ll also get a Carer ID/emergency card and an emergency plan to fill out.
Contact us on 01743 341995, email: Shropshire.carers@shropshire.gov.uk
Hospital Carer Support is available where a practitioner will support you while your cared for person is in a hospital setting. Providing discharge support, information, emotional support, signposting, face-to-face meetings and assessments. For more information, please contact Michele Lee on 01743 256879 or email Hospitalcarers@shropshire.gov.uk
Support for Carers in Telford and Wrekin
The Carers Centre’s support workers are here to help family carers improve their quality of life and feel more confident in their caring role. Support is tailored to meet your needs, depending on your situation, challenges, and level of care you provide.
How the Carers Centre can support you:
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Offer a listening ear when you need someone to talk to – by phone or face-to-face.
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Help you access local support and services available to carers.
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Create opportunities for you to share your voice in shaping future services.
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Assist you in applying for financial support or grants.
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Provide up-to-date information relevant to your caring role.
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Run local support groups across Telford and Wrekin – a chance to connect, share experiences, take a break, and talk with others who understand.
Contact the Telford and Wrekin All Age Carers Centre:
Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
Call: 01952 240209
- NHS - Dementia Guide
- Alzheimer’s Society - publications
- Dementia UK - Young onset dementia information
- Dementia Together magazine
- Alzheimer's Society - Find support near you
- Dementia Action Alliance
- Living with Dementia Toolkit
- Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin
- Shropshire Libraries - services for people living with memory loss
- PALZ UK
- Dementia Carers Count
- Dementia UK
- Support for Carers in Shropshire
- Support for Carers in Telford and Wrekin
- Shropshire Council
- Telford and Wrekin Council
George Rook, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia over ten years ago, discusses what it’s like living with dementia.
Admiral Nurses offer vital support, education and guidance to people caring for somebody living with a diagnosis of dementia.
This page is being updated so please check back for further resources and information.
