Memory Support Hertfordshire is a newly launched community service providing local connection, support, information, and advice for everyone affected by dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Building on the strong foundations of Hertfordshire’s existing locally embedded community support services, the addition of a new information and development service will provide a welcome route for people to access support and guidance more quickly and easily.

A helpline, an email service and in-person drop-in hubs will ensure people are able to find out what they want to know, as well as support people to find and access the full range of community-based, health and social care support available in county.

Anyone interested in becoming more dementia friendly or aware will now have a point of contact to help guide them and support their development. The service will also work with partners and professionals to help them to signpost and refer more easily to available support, and over time, together we will ensure that the full scope of Hertfordshire-based resources are visible and available at www.memorysupportherts.org.uk.

Adding to the existing highly valued groups and direct support already available, there will be more opportunities to learn about living with dementia, additional specialist support for people living with Young Onset Dementia and more support for friends and family members who care for someone with dementia. All types of dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment are supported, and a formal diagnosis is not necessary to be able to use the service.

Funded by Hertfordshire County Council and the NHS and delivered in partnership by Age UK Hertfordshire, Carers in Hertfordshire and Alzheimer’s Society, Memory Support Hertfordshire is committed to improving support available to people affected by dementia and is aligned to the Hertfordshire Dementia Strategy.

We want Hertfordshire to be a place where people affected by dementia have access to timely, skilled, and well-coordinated support from diagnosis to end of life, which helps achieve the outcomes that matter to them. According to figures from the NHS, there are more than 14,500 people living in Hertfordshire with a diagnosis of dementia and we know that this is only due to rise. Memory Support Hertfordshire aims to make it easier for people needing support around memory loss and dementia to find and access the full range of information and support available. The service has been co-produced by people who currently use existing dementia support services, so that the varied support on offer meets their needs.
Councillor Tony Kingsbury, Executive Member for Adult Care, Health and Wellbeing at Hertfordshire County Council

Key information:

• Helpline: 0300 131 3946 (open Monday to Friday 9am–4pm)
• Email: info@memorysupportherts.org.uk
• Website: memorysupportherts.org.uk
• Online referral form for professionals on website

Source: Hertfordshire County Council