A SOUTHAMPTON charity is urging an end to the divide between health and social care after their latest research.

More than 24,000 suffer from dementia across the county and Isle of Wight, according to a new study by the Alzheimer’s Society and more than 2,500 people live with the condition in Southampton.

Now charity workers are calling on the government for help after discovering many of these people are in poor living conditions.

The campaign was highlighted by local supporters of the charity including ambassador Lawrie McMenemy.

The Alzheimer’s Society found thousands of people with dementia living without the right support to do everyday tasks like getting dressed, eating and going to the toilet.

Amber Reed from Alzheimer’s Society in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said: “It is vital the government takes action.

We know that parts of the county are leading the way as some of the best performing areas for support after diagnosis but the research highlights the huge financial and human impact dementia is having.”