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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 memory clinic team 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 Dementia Assessment and Support Service, 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 memory clinic team to find out what’s available in your area.
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 on 0800 888 6678.
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.
If you are concerned about dementia, your GP will refer you to DASS. The service works closely with other local agencies to provide:
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Initial assessment and diagnosis
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Ongoing treatment and post-diagnosis follow-up
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Person-centred support and interventions
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Signposting to other services and support available in your community
DASS ensures that individuals receive the right care and support throughout their dementia journey.
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 or your Dementia Link Worker.
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
Local resident 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.
