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Dementia UK and YoungDementia UK merge into one charity

Dementia UK merges with YoungDementia UK to create a stronger influential organisation in the area of young onset dementia.

On 1 November 2020, Dementia UK and YoungDementia UK merged and became one charity.

For a number of years the two charities have collaborated, and after much consideration by the Boards of Trustees have decided to join together.

The merger will create a much stronger, more influential organisation in the area of young onset dementia. The combination of the two charities is especially important at a time when we are seeing the devastating and disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on people affected by dementia. Our beneficiaries and supporters are at the heart of everything we do and by joining forces, we will give them a stronger voice. Together we are committed to making a greater difference to people living with young onset dementia and their families.

Our aims from the merger are to:

  • Grow and increase the impact of the Young Dementia Network to influence positive change across the UK
  • Develop further the specialist support available for people affected by young onset dementia including digital support
  • Support more people affected by young onset dementia in the UK

We will continue to operate under the name Dementia UK, to provide a stronger, unified, more influential voice for people living with and affected by young onset dementia – that is, anyone diagnosed with dementia under the age of 65, and their families.

Dr Hilda Hayo, CEO of Dementia UK and Chief Admiral Nurse, said:

Dementia UK and YoungDementia UK have worked together successfully for years and this is an excellent development, and natural progression, for both charities. Now, more than ever, families impacted by dementia need empathetic, specialist support, and the coming together of these two charities will greatly expand our knowledge, expertise and capability for supporting families facing young onset dementia.

Hilda Hayo Dementia UK CEO

Tess Gutteridge, Director of YoungDementia UK, said:

YoungDementia UK is dedicated to supporting people diagnosed with dementia under the age of 65. We recognise the very different impact young onset dementia has on the person and their family. Joining forces with Dementia UK will help us amplify the voices of those dealing with this difficult condition, and reach even more people with specialist advice and support. Together we are committed to making a greater difference to people living with young onset dementia, and their families.

Tessa Gutteridge, Director for young onset dementia

The service offering of both charities will continue unchanged for the time being, with the view to enhancing these services in the future. The Young Dementia Network and the Young Dementia Oxfordshire support offering will continue under their existing names. All YoungDementia UK staff have become Dementia UK employees from today.