West Berkshire Dementia Hub and Greenham Trust say plans for new centre progressing well

Plans for a new purpose-built hub for dementia care services in Newbury are progressing well, say those behind the project.

New charity West Berkshire Dementia Hub revealed earlier this year plans for a new centre that could bring care and support all under one roof.

With an estimated 2,041 people aged over 65 currently living with dementia in West Berkshire, and numbers expected to rise to 3,109 by 2030, there is an urgent need to support individuals, carers and families, the charity has said.

The new service is set to be stationed next door to West Berkshire Community Hospital in Thatcham - on land ‘zoned’ for healthcare-related development only.

Greenham Trust is the strategic funder providing the building, with the charity acting as its tenant.

A tender process to select the architect is already underway, it has been revealed, with the appointment expected in mid-October prior to the charity hosting a stakeholder event on October 22 to update partners on its progress.

September is designated ‘World Alzheimer’s Month’ with a theme this year of ‘Ask about Dementia’ and ‘Ask about Alzheimer’s’, which aims to encourage dialogue, timely diagnosis and a reduction in stigma surrounding the condition.

West Berkshire Dementia Hub says it hopes it is “encouraging local dialogue” with the announcement of the next phase of its plan.

Catherine Haig, chair of trustees, said: “The theme of this year’s World Alzheimer’s campaign promotes open and frequent discussions about dementia to normalise the topic.

“West Berkshire Dementia Hub is determined to help break down the stigma and discrimination often associated with dementia.”

Chris Boulton, chief executive of Greenham Trust added: “We are very pleased with progress since announcing the project and continue to work hard with West Berkshire Dementia Hub to make it a reality.”