A new community-based Dementia Hub has opened at Winwood Heights in Sherwood, bringing together Nottingham City Council, Alzheimer’s Society and the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care System (ICS) to provide enhanced support for people living with dementia and those who care for them.
The new facility is designed to offer a welcoming and accessible environment where people affected by dementia can access emotional, practical and social support at every stage of their journey. The hub will also provide guidance for family members, friends and carers, helping them navigate the challenges often associated with a dementia diagnosis.
Located within Winwood Heights, one of Nottingham City Council’s flagship retirement living communities, the hub will serve as a central point for accessing information, advice and local services. The community comprises Winchester Court, Woodthorpe Court and Winwood Court, which links the two residential towers.
The Dementia Hub aims to help people maintain their independence for longer by providing early intervention, practical advice and support. Services include information on future planning, maintaining quality of life, accessing local resources and preventing situations from escalating into crisis.
Cllr Helen Kalsi, Nottingham City Council’s Executive Member for Adults, Social Care and Public Health, said:
“Nottingham City Council is proud to work in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Society to give people the support they need in their neighbourhood as they navigate their lives with dementia.
“Early advice and support in this way enables people to continue living independently for as long as possible, and gives reassurance to their families and loved ones.”
The initiative reflects growing recognition across health and social care services of the importance of community-based dementia support, particularly as demand for services continues to rise.
Cllr Jay Hayes, Nottingham City Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Planning, highlighted the role retirement living communities can play in supporting wider health and wellbeing objectives.
“Our retirement living communities are designed to be accessible and welcoming places for older people, and many incorporate Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation (HAPPI) design principles,
“We’re really pleased to be opening Winwood up to the wider community so that anyone who could benefit from the support can come along.”
By locating the hub within an established retirement living community, partners hope to make support more visible and easier to access for people across Nottingham.
Anshu Shearing from Alzheimer’s Society added:
“A dementia diagnosis can bring lots of questions and uncertainty, not just for the person living with dementia but for their family, friends and carers too. Having a friendly, local place where people can come along, talk to someone and get practical advice can make a real difference.
“We’re delighted to be working with Nottingham City Council and the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care System to bring a Dementia Hub to Winwood Heights. We hope it will become a welcoming place where people feel comfortable asking questions, finding support and connecting with others who understand what they’re going through.”
The launch of the Winwood Heights Dementia Hub further strengthens Nottingham’s dementia support network and demonstrates the value of collaboration between local government, voluntary sector organisations and health system partners in delivering person-centred care closer to home.
Image credit: iStock
