By 
DEMENTIA support clinics in Omagh are being hailed as a major success, with demand for appointments underlining the need for accessible, specialist advice for those affected by the condition.
Last week, Admiral Nurse Lauren Williamson, a dementia specialist with Dementia UK, hosted a series of clinics at Nationwide Building Society in the town, offering practical and emotional support to people living with dementia, as well as their families and carers.
The clinics form part of Nationwide’s ongoing Fairer Futures Programme, launched in 2024, which funds 30 Admiral Nurses across the country to deliver specialist dementia support in local communities.
The sessions provide advice on all aspects of dementia – from early concerns about symptoms through to diagnosis and understanding how the condition can progress.
Speaking to the Tyrone Herald, Nurse Williamson said, “The clinics are free, confidential and take place in a confidential area within the branch.
“Appointments are 45 minutes in length and people come to us for advice on a range of different topics relating to dementia.”
Reflecting the strong local response, 11 of the 15 available appointment slots between Tuesday and Thursday of last week were filled.
“We offer advice ranging from the pre-diagnosis phase, right up until end of life care, and anything in between,” the nurse continued.
“People can book their appointment to talk about things like how to get a diagnosis, or to find out what options are out their in regards to caring and supporting a loved one with dementia.
“Every week, I’m somewhere different throughout the North delivering the clinics, but appointments for further clinics in the area will be released a month in advance and can be booked via our website or by simply texting the word ‘appointment’ to 07478724000.
“Appointments are open to anyone living with dementia, as well as families, carers and anyone who has been affected by dementia.”
Nurse Williamson also outlined the wider support available through Dementia UK.
“Our helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 9pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm.
“Those nurses are there to provide support if anyone needs anything.”
Nationwide Omagh branch manager Emma McNulty said the clinics have been a ‘great success’.
“These clinics have been running throughout the UK since 2024 but only came to the Omagh area last September,” she said.
“They have been a great success and are opened to anybody.
“In regards to booking an appointment, whilst there is an option to book directly with Dementia UK, we don’t mind, be it customers or non-customers, if anyone wants to call into the bank to book in.”
Ms McNulty also highlighted the wider aims of the Fairer Futures Programme.
“As well as Dementia UK, we work with the youth homelessness charity Centrepoint,” she explained.
“We also work with Action For Children supporting families living in poverty with whom we have carried out a lot of work locally with Lisa McGarvey in Omagh.
“And the programme also supports people living with cancer through The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.”
To date, the Fairer Futures Programme has supported over 108,000 people across the UK, including 40,354 people living with dementia.
The Dementia UK Clinic will return to Omagh from Tuesday, March 31 until Thursday, April 2. If you or anyone you know has been affected by dementia, practical advice and support is available at www.dementiauk.org. More information on the Fairer Futures Programme can be found at www.nationwide.co.uk
