Thanks to invitations from supporters, we shared our message about the vital work of Admiral Nurses with more than 100 MPs and their staff at our parliamentary reception.
On Monday 28th April 2025, we held our first Time for a Cuppa event for MPs in the UK Parliament. This was an opportunity to speak to them about the urgent need to increase access to specialist dementia nurses across the UK, and for them to hear directly from people affected by dementia about the difference the right support can make.
Right now, nearly one million people in the UK are living with dementia. It has no cure, and too many families are left to struggle alone. For these people, the support of a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse can be life-changing. We wanted MPs to understand why this support is so crucial, and why it’s vital to increase the number of Admiral Nurses.
Admiral Nurses Sarah and Ruby speaking with Gurinder Josan MP, Smethwick
More than 4,400 Dementia UK supporters contacted their parliamentarians and invited them to our Time for a Cuppa event, with over 100 MPs and their staff coming along to the reception to hear why improving dementia care can’t wait.
The event was kindly hosted by Joe Robertson, MP for Isle of Wight North and member of the Health and Social Care Select Committee and the All Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia. He commented:
“Dementia UK’s Time for a Cuppa event was a fantastic opportunity for MPs to find out more about the support that Admiral Nurses provide to families affected by dementia. With nearly one million people living with dementia in the UK today, this specialist care is needed now more than ever. We need to see strong support in Parliament for improved dementia services to ensure that no one faces dementia alone. I am confident that the Time for a Cuppa event will help drive this much-needed change.”
At the event, MPs had the opportunity to meet Dementia UK supporters Clare, James, Ronnie and Will, who shared their personal experiences of dementia and the support of their Admiral Nurses. Ronnie and Will gave a powerful speech about Ronnie’s diagnosis of young onset dementia and the difference their Admiral Nurse has made.
Will and Ronnie sharing their personal experiences of dementia
“The work of Admiral Nurses is a lifeline for families like mine across the UK.”
MPs had the chance to meet Dr Hilda Hayo, Dementia UK’s Chief Admiral Nurse and CEO, and two of our fantastic Admiral Nurses, Sarah and Ruby. They shared their expert perspectives supporting people affected by dementia and offered advice to MPs who have personal experience of the condition.
We also shared the news of our game-changing partnership with Nationwide Building Society, which is enabling us to hold dementia clinics in 200 of its branches across the UK, including our first ever clinic in Northern Ireland.
Our incredible supporters helped ensure our Time for a Cuppa parliamentary reception was a great success by inviting their MPs. Please take a look at the list below to see if your MP or their staff member attended.
Alongside campaigning for improvements to dementia care, Dementia UK provides support on all aspects of dementia. You can speak to an Admiral Nurse on our free Helpline on 0800 888 6678, email helpline@dementiauk.org, or book a phone or video call at a time that suits you.
More than 4,400 Dementia UK supporters contacted their parliamentarians and invited them to our Time for a Cuppa event.
How to host a dementia-inclusive Time for a Cuppa.
Ruby talks us through her working day supporting families affected by dementia in local communities.
