Dementia charities announce merger

Dementia UK and YoungDementia UK have merged following a number of years of collaboration.

The merger took place on 1 November and is seen as “especially important at a time when we area seeing the devastating and disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on people affecrted by dementia”, according to a statement from the charities.

Priorities during the early stages of the merger are to grow and develop specialist support for those affected by young onset dementia. This includes boosting digital support.

We’re delighted to announce that @YoungDementiaUK & the @YoungDemNetwork has officially merged with @DementiaUK. We’ll work together under the name Dementia UK. This merger will strengthen our commitment to supporting people with young onset #dementia. https://t.co/zpjTdNPbgm pic.twitter.com/ZvyA4PMbCt
— Young Dementia Network (@YoungDemNetwork) November 2, 2020

“Dementia UK and YoungDementia UK have worked together successfully for years and this is an excellent development, and natural progression, for both charities,” said Dr Hilda Hayo, chief executive of Dementia UK.

“Now, more than ever, families impacted by dementia need empathetic, specialist support, and the coming together of these two charities will greatly expand our knowledge, expertise and capability for supporting families facing young onset dementia.”

Director of Young Dementia UK Tess Gutteridge added: “YoungDementia UK is dedicated to supporting people diagnosed with dementia under the age of 65.

“We recognise the very different impact young onset dementia has on the person and their family. Joining forces with Dementia UK will help us amplify the voices of those dealing with this difficult condition, and reach even more people with specialist advice and support.

“Together we are committed to making a greater difference to people living with young onset dementia, and their families.

This is the latest health charity merger to be announced this year, as the sector looks to ramp up service delivery and cope with fundraising losses amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sparks and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) Charity announced they are to merge at the end of March 2021.

Meanwhile, Bowel Disease Research Foundation and Bowel and Cancer Research merged into a newly formed charity, called Bowel Research UK.