Dementia Connect Referrals

Dementia Connect provides personalised support to people from day one of their dementia journey. This includes a combination of one-to-one support both in person and over the phone, as well as online resources and local groups.

Dementia Connect is here for people with all types of dementia, with a diagnosis or pre-diagnosis. As well as carers, family or friends of someone who has dementia.

Alzheimer’s Society and The FA are working together so that fans, players, coaches and staff can access support through Dementia Connect, should they need it.

You can now utilise Norfolk County FA as a referral route to obtain dementia support. Norfolk FA’s Dementia Connect Referee is Head of Marketing & Communications, Rebecca Burton. Email Rebecca.Burton@NorfolkFA.com to set up a referral meeting.

What is Dementia Connect?

Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Connect service provides personalised support to people from day one of their dementia journey. Dementia Connect is here for people with all types of dementia, with a diagnosis or pre-diagnosis. As well as carers, family or friends of someone who has dementia.

Dementia Connect provides a single point of contact – linking people to the different types of support available.

For example, that could be a telephone dementia adviser, face-to-face support, Talking Point (an online community) or other local services, support groups and activities.

For more information visit https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementiaconnectfaq for frequently asked questions about the Dementia Connect service.

Alzheimer’s Society

Alzheimer’s Society are a vital source of support and a powerful force for change for everyone affected by dementia. They provide help and hope - supporting people affected by all types of dementia through some of the hardest and most frightening times. They provide practical advice, emotional support, and guidance to the best next step, and empower people affected by dementia to be a leading force for change. Using cutting edge research and influencing to push for breakthroughs that’ll change the lives of people affected by dementia, now and in the future.

The FA and Alzheimer’s Society charity partnership aims:

▪ Raise over £500k to fund Alzheimer’s Society support services.

▪ Improve access to dementia support - This includes setting up referral routes to refer people into Alzheimer’s Society’s services through local clubs, as well as public campaigns to raise awareness.

▪ Research to understand sport related risks – The FA and Alzheimer’s Society are acting as ‘critical friends’ as both are funding research into the risk factors of developing dementia, specifically as it relates to professional sport and football.

▪ Create more dementia friendly stadiums – By running match day audits with people affected by dementia at Wembley we are working towards Wembley becoming a dementia friendly stadium.

Five things you should know about dementia:

1. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing - 900,000 people in the UK have dementia, but it doesn’t just affect older people. Over 40,000 people under 65 in the UK have what is known as early-onset dementia.

2. Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain - Diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease cause nerve cells to die, damaging the structure and chemistry of the brain. There are lots of other causes and no two types of dementia are the same.

3. It's not just about losing your memory - Someone with dementia might repeat themselves and have problems recalling things that happened recently. However other common symptoms include: difficulties concentrating, problems planning and thinking things through, struggling with familiar daily tasks, issues with language and communication, problems judging distances, mood changes and difficulties controlling emotions.

4. People can still live well with dementia - Although there is no cure for dementia, scientists and researchers are working hard to find one. Until that day comes, support and treatments are available that can help with symptoms and managing daily life.

5. Alzheimer's Society is here for anyone affected by dementia We provide expert information and support to anyone affected by dementia.

For more information visit https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementiaconnectfaq for frequently asked questions about the Dementia Connect service.

Norfolk FA’s Dementia Connect Referee is Head of Marketing & Communications, Rebecca Burton. Email Rebecca.Burton@NorfolkFA.com to set up a referral meeting.