In 2018, Approach Dementia Support formed a strategic alliance with the Douglas Macmillan Hospice (DMH) to enable dementia support across the local community. The Alliance was formed in recognition of shared values between Approach’s dementia support and DMH’s palliative care. Approach is based at the Dementia Centre at DMH and links strongly with DMH’s Admiral Nurse service – enabling effective support pathways.

As Approach responded to increased need, demand for services grew whilst income did not. Between May 2022 and May 2023 alone, Approach’s referral rates increased by 150%. To sustain services and enable growth, the trustees of Approach and DMH agreed that merging was the best outcome for local people. Approach staff who chose to do so were TUPE transferred to DMH and all services remain. DMH has embedded dementia support as a priority in its strategy, demonstrating its commitment to meeting the dementia challenge.

Dementia Services aims to enable a seamless pathway of support throughout the dementia journey. Approach’s services (1:1 support, activity groups, carer support groups, training and form filling) are ideal for people with mild-moderate dementia. The Admiral Nurse service is designed for complex carer support towards the latter stages of dementia. We aim to bridge gaps between services and provide tailored, consistent support.

Merging charities means that resources can be invested. Reduced back office expenditure (through amalgamating marketing, income generation etc.) means greater focus on developing services.

DMH has successfully acquired funding previously unavailable to Approach to open our Dementia Centre five days a week for group support and introduce specific groups for higher dependency needs, early onset and advanced dementia.

Over 4,000 people in Stoke-on-Trent and 12,000 people in Staffordshire are diagnosed with dementia. Amalgamating Approach and DMH will enable further service development to meet the growing need for excellent, effective dementia support.