Dementia Support Directory
Below is a list of trusted organisations, helplines and community support available to do just this. Some offer practical advice; others provide emotional support or specialist clinical guidance. Together, they form a network of support both nationally and here in Gloucestershire.
Our goal at Lilian Faithfull is to connect you with a network of dementia support to ensure you or your family member has access to everything you could possibly need to manage your dementia diagnosis.
Remember – If you are facing a medical emergency, always call 999 first.
National Dementia Charities
National charities offer information, specialist expertise and wider advocacy. They can help you understand a diagnosis, plan for the future and connect with both local and national support services.
Alzheimer’s Society
Although primarily focused on one type of dementia, Alzheimer’s Society support people with dementia and the people around them. The charity provides clear information about symptoms, diagnosis, and what support may be available. Their website includes practical guides on topics such as care planning, legal matters and daily routines. Many areas also have local groups where people can meet others in similar situations. If you contact Alzheimer’s Society, you can expect calm, informed advice and help finding support close to home.
Website: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk
Dementia UK
Dementia UK is a nursing charity that provides specialist support through Admiral Nurses. These are registered nurses with expertise in dementia care. They help families understand changes in behaviour, manage distress, and plan for the future. Their support is practical and detailed, particularly when care needs become more complex. Families who contact Dementia UK often do so when they need clear guidance from someone with clinical knowledge and experience.
Website: https://www.dementiauk.org
Dementia Action Alliance
Dementia Action Alliance works to make communities more understanding and inclusive for people living with dementia. They bring together local organisations and businesses to improve awareness and access. While they do not provide direct care, they can be helpful when looking for dementia-friendly initiatives in your area or when encouraging others to learn more about the condition.
Website: https://www.dementiaaction.org.uk
Age UK
Age UK supports older people across a wide range of issues, including dementia. They offer advice on benefits, housing, and care funding, alongside community services such as befriending and local activities. Many local Age UK branches run dementia-friendly groups. If you are unsure where to start with practical questions about care or finances, Age UK can provide clear and straightforward guidance.
Website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk
Carers Trust
For those supporting loved ones living with dementia, Carers Trust can help unpaid carers. Through a network of local organisations, they provide respite services, peer support groups and wellbeing support. Their focus is on helping carers feel supported and able to continue in their role without feeling alone.
Website: https://www.carers.org
Carers UK
Carers UK offers advice and information about carers’ rights, financial support and employment. Their guidance can help carers understand what they are entitled to and how to access it. They also provide online resources and forums where carers can share experiences and advice.
Website: https://www.carersuk.org
Dementia Friends
Dementia Friends is an initiative from Alzheimer’s Society that helps people understand dementia and learn small ways they can offer support. It is not a care service, but it can help families encourage friends, neighbours or workplaces to become more aware and supportive.
Website: https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk
Lewy Body Society
The Lewy Body Society supports people affected by Lewy body dementia, a rarer but equally impactful form of dementia. This type of dementia can include visual hallucinations and changes in movement as well as memory problems. The charity provides information that reflects those specific experiences and connects families with others who understand the condition.
Website: https://www.lewybody.org
Parkinson’s UK
Parkinson’s UK supports people living with Parkinson’s disease, including those experiencing Parkinson’s dementia. They provide information on both physical and cognitive changes, and offer access to local groups and a confidential helpline.
Website: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk
Young Dementia UK
Young Dementia UK supports people diagnosed with dementia under the age of 65, also known as early onset dementia. A diagnosis at a younger age can bring different concerns, including work and family responsibilities. This charity provides information and peer support tailored to those experiences.
Website: https://www.youngdementiauk.org
Dementia Support Lines
Sometimes you need to speak to someone directly. These helplines provide confidential advice, reassurance and practical guidance when questions feel urgent or overwhelming.
Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Line
This helpline connects you with trained advisers who can answer questions about memory concerns, diagnosis, care options and local services. It is open to people living with dementia, carers and family members. Calls are confidential and focused on helping you understand what to do next.
Telephone: 0333 150 3456
Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline
Delivered by Dementia UK, this helpline gives access to specialist dementia nurses. It is particularly helpful when care feels overwhelming or behaviour changes are causing distress. You can expect practical advice grounded in clinical experience.
Telephone: 0800 888 6678
Age UK Advice Line
Age UK’s advice line offers guidance on benefits, social care and local services. While it is not dementia specific, it can help families understand funding options and support available to older people.
Telephone: 0800 678 1602
The Silver Line
The Silver Line offers a free, confidential telephone service for older people who may feel lonely or isolated, including those with dementia. It is available day and night. The focus is simple conversation and connection, along with signposting to further support where needed.
Telephone: 0800 470 8090
Online Dementia Support Forums
Online forums can provide connection at any time of day. They allow carers and families to share experiences, ask questions and learn from others in similar situations.
Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Forum
This moderated online forum allows people affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s to share experiences and ask questions in a supportive space. It can be helpful for carers who cannot attend local groups but still want to connect with others.
Website: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/dementia-support-forum
Mumsnet Dementia Support Forum
Mumsnet hosts discussion threads where people talk about supporting parents or relatives living with dementia. The advice is informal and based on personal experience..
Website: https://community.mumsnet.com
Dementia Care Central Forums
These forums provide a space for caregivers and family members to discuss day-to-day dementia care. Conversations cover managing symptoms, emotional wellbeing and practical challenges. The focus is peer support and shared experience.
Website: https://www.dementiacarecentral.com/forum
Reddit r/dementia
This online community found on the biggest forum-based network on the internet brings together people from around the world to discuss dementia. Members share personal stories, caregiving experiences and questions. As with any open forum, advice is based on individual experience rather than professional guidance.
Website: https://www.reddit.com/r/dementia
Email Newsletters
Regular updates can help you feel informed and prepared. These newsletters provide structured guidance, practical tips and ongoing support delivered directly to your inbox.
NHS Dementia Information Service
The NHS website provides clear information about dementia, including diagnosis and treatment. Families can sign up for email updates to receive structured guidance designed to support families after a diagnosis. Information is clinically reviewed and designed to help people understand what support may be available.
Website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/care-and-support/dementia-information-service/
Dementia Dose
Dementia Dose is a weekly newsletter for caregivers. Each edition offers practical tips and responses to common questions from carers. It aims to help people feel more confident in day to day care, ensuring that unpaid carers or family members can deliver the best support.
Sign-up: https://careblazers.com/dementiadose/
The Dementia Newsletter
This weekly newsletter provides care strategies and practical ideas for families supporting someone living with dementia. It focuses on everyday challenges and ways to respond with understanding.
Dementia Support Groups Near Me
Alongside national services, local community support can make everyday life feel more manageable. As a charity based in Cheltenham, we believe in building a connected, community focused approach to dementia care.
Lillian Faithfull Secret Garden Hubs
Our Secret Garden Hubs, located at Faithfull House in Cheltenham and Bay Tree Court in Prestbury, provide day care support for people living with conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons. Each hub offers meaningful activities, conversation and gentle structure in a safe setting, surrounded by an experienced care team trained to support those living with dementia. These adult day centres allow people to spend time with others while carers have planned time to rest or attend to other responsibilities.
Website: https://www.lilianfaithfull.co.uk/our-care/day-care/
Community Connexions
Community Connexions provides pre-booked transport across Gloucestershire for people who may find public transport difficult. This includes travel to appointments, day services and community activities.
Website: https://communityconnexions.org.uk
Mindsong
Mindsong delivers music therapy and singing sessions for people living with dementia and their carers. Music can support memory, mood and connection. Sessions are welcoming and adapted to participants’ needs.
Website: https://www.mindsong.org.uk
Telephone: 01684 273656
Tea with a Pony by Cotswold Riding for the Disabled
Tea with a Pony offers time with ponies in a calm, supported setting. Animal interaction can encourage conversation and reminiscence. Sessions are supervised and relaxed.
Website: https://www.cotswoldrda.org.uk
Need dedicated dementia support?
While national charities and community groups provide valuable guidance, there may come a time when you need more consistent, personalised care. From day support to specialist dementia communities, we provide tailored dementia support that changes as your needs develop.
If you would like to explore your options or simply talk through what might be right for you or your loved one, our team is here to help. Learn more about our dementia care or get in touch to explore how we can support you.