A NEW charity has been launched to help Hampshire families living with dementia amid fears the number of cases is set to rise sharply.

Dementia Support Hampshire & IOW, formed by people with first-hand experience of looking after people with the condition, provides free emotional support and information.

Hampshire has one of the highest instances of dementia in the UK, with more than 24,000 people in the county being diagnosed in 2020.

The charity's director, Helen Hamblen, of West End, said: "We know the emotional impact a dementia diagnosis has on patients, families, and caregivers.

"Common feelings during this life-changing experience can include anxiety, distress, and depression, not just for the person who has dementia but for the whole family.

Daily Echo: Dementia Support Hampshire & IOW has been launched to help people living with the condition.Dementia Support Hampshire & IOW has been launched to help people living with the condition.

"Families and friends provide most of the care for people with dementia and it's vital that everyone receives the help and support they need to maximise their health and wellbeing.”

Support can be hard to find, which often adds to the stress felt by the families affected.

Helen said: "Your whole world is upside down and you're dealing with the emotional impact that dementia brings. The last thing you need is to have to search tirelessly for support near to where you live.

"The national charities are great, but face-to-face support and local knowledge is what you need at times like this.

"We know how exhausting living with dementia can be, that’s why we’ve created this charity, to help make things just that little bit easier.

“We host our own support and social groups and also work with other voluntary organisations so we can provide information about all the support and social events available."

Daily Echo: Dementia Support Hampshire & IOW has been launched to help people living with the condition.Dementia Support Hampshire & IOW has been launched to help people living with the condition.

According to the Department for Health about 850,000 people are currently living with dementia in the UK.

The figure is expected to rise to one million by 2025 and two million by 2050. One in three people born this year will develop the condition.

Dementia Support Hampshire & IOW provides a helpline that is available 8am– 6pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

People struggling with their emotions after receiving a diagnosis, or anyone feeling overwhelmed by their caring responsibilities, can chat with a member of staff or a volunteer.

For more information visit mydementiasupport.org

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